The Importance of Community Relationships
by Alhassane Camara
On a rainy day in Harlem, City College students had strong opinions about why Vincent Boudreau wasn’t appointed college president. Harlem community leaders delayed a decision by the CUNY Board of Regents that would have given Boudreau, the interim president, the job permanently.
A group of 20 including former Governor David A. Paterson , former Representative Charles B. Rangel, and former Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright wrote a letter to The New York Times stating that Boudreau did not involve himself with the community.
Kimberly Lopez, 22, a sociology major, agreed with the objection of the Harlem leaders. “I feel community leaders had rights to call out Boudreau. City College represents the Harlem community; he should have reached out to the leaders and understand their role in Harlem,” she said.
She stared intensely and continued the conversation with suggestions about what Boudreau should do. “He could offer City College programs to struggling youths in Harlem and provide students with volunteer opportunities in community pep rallies and press conferences,” she said.
Boudreau has held town meetings about transparency, student involvement, DACA and protecting immigrant students. Lopez says he should hold a town meeting for the community. She is not alone.
His best chance for a future partnership with the Harlem community is holding a public meeting. Gisele Domingo, 21, an advertising and public relations major, said, “As City College’s interim president, he should involve himself with the Harlem youth organizations.”
She was bewildered that Boudreau neglected the community’s role at City College. “Everyone is aware of Harlem’s issues with gentrification and financial woes,” Domingo said.
Cynthia Dunston, 23, a video and film major, said, “Boudreau’s involvement in the community would have helped him. You are presenting yourself as the official president of a community-based college. Your job involves understanding the college’s commitment with Harlem and how that relationship benefits every student.”
According to The New York Times, Boudreau did have breakfast at Sylvia’s with CUNY Board Chairman Bill Thompson, Jr., Chancellor James B.Milliken, Congressmen Adriano Espaillat and several community leaders on Monday October 23, 2017. That seems encouraging to some. Video and film major Dunston said, “Everyone believes Boudreau has learned from his mistake and will make an effort in building a relationship with the community.”
