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Editor, News-Register:
I am writing to urge you NOT to dissolve the Foreign Language Department of West Virginia University.
In a time when diplomacy, language skills and cultural understanding are CRUCIAL, it is UNTHINKABLE that we lose the department that can best prepare students for our interconnected, global society. It would be so detrimental to our nation's defense and our state's economy. Right now, two thirds of employers are looking to hire candidates with language ability and understanding of other cultures. When our WVU graduates compete for jobs with those from other states, who will be chosen? Not ours. It puts our students at a distinct disadvantage in the global marketplace.
Will we wait until the equivalent of another Sputnik comes to pass before we hit the panic button and realize that we must teach languages and cultures?
Will we lose all opportunities for international business in our state because the CEOs of those businesses know that we can't supply the trained and knowledgeable workforce?
We should also consider the mission of the university and how it conflicts with this move. "As a land-grant institution, the faculty, staff and students at West Virginia University commit to creating a diverse and inclusive culture that advances education, healthcare and prosperity for all by providing access and opportunity; by advancing high-impact research; and by leading transformation in West Virginia and the world through local, state and global engagement." It seems to me that this move would remove culture and diversity, remove access and opportunity, and remove transformation because there will be a lack of effective engagement on any level.
And for those who would say that a person can learn these skills from an app, I ask that YOU try it first. See how easy it might be. See how effective it is. There is no substitute for a live teacher, a lesson we learned all too well during the COVID shutdown.
Please, reconsider this recommendation by the Provost of the university.
Peggy Dolan
Wheeling