Clarifying remarks on COD teachers

In the Dec. 12 edition of the Daily Herald, I was quoted in an article about the College of DuPage English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and complaints voiced the night before at the board of trustees meeting. Regarding the cancellation of Level 7 ESL classes, I was quoted as saying, "I've received no hate mail from the students, just the teachers." I apologize for the use of the phrase "hate mail" in this context and offer the following clarification.

In retrospect, I used the term "hate mail" too loosely. It is true that I have received multiple pieces of hostile correspondence in the past three years falsely alleging fraud, misuse of funds, nepotism and other offenses by me. Instead, I should have said, "I have received no complaint from any student concerning the elimination of Level 7 ESL courses. However, I understand several ESL faculty members have registered their objections with the ESL manager concerning this action."

The current discourse among ABE/GED/ESL faculty, staff and myself is a constructive one based on the mutual goal of improving ABE/GED/ESL instruction. I look forward to improved collegial relations among all those associated with the department as we move forward to improve the quality of our service to our students.

Finally, I apologize for my quote referring to why faculty members had raised concerns about the elimination of ESL courses: "It's one less course for them to teach, so it's less money." I did not intend to imply that the sole reason all faculty would be concerned would be monetary, but I can certainly understand how the statement could be construed that way. COD has an extremely dedicated group of people who serve this program tirelessly, and I would not intentionally say anything to offend them.

Michael A. Perez

Dean, Continuing Education/Extended Learning

College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn