Treatment of blacks concerns employees

The university president has agreed to meet with a BFSA delegation.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Black Faculty and Staff Association at Youngstown State University wants to know why the contract of the interim administrator of the Center for International Studies & amp; Programs at YSU wasn't renewed.
Dr. Noah Midamba held the interim position for two years, beginning his duties in September 2002 and leaving the university earlier this month after his contract wasn't renewed, said William Blake, BFSA president.
During his time here, Midamba had his contract renewed twice and extended once. That extension expired at the end of August, Blake said.
Meeting requested
Some people were "very, very upset" about the way Midamba was treated, Blake said, adding that the BFSA asked for a meeting with Dr. David C. Sweet, university president, to open a dialogue between the concerned parties.
Blake said he was told that Sweet agreed to meet with a delegation, perhaps early next week. Midamba will be asked to participate, he said.
A university spokesman confirmed that Sweet received a letter from Dr. Victor Wan-Tatah, a YSU professor of philosophy and religion, expressing concern about the Midamba situation and asking for a meeting.
Sweet agreed to the request, and a meeting is being scheduled for next week, the spokesman said.
'Grave concern'
Blake said that Wan-Tatah is one of those taking the lead on the Midamba matter.
Wan-Tatah declined to discuss details with The Vindicator but said the Midamba case is "of grave concern" to members of BFSA.
Blake said the BFSA understands that Midamba, who lives near Cleveland, was serving only as interim administrator and could be replaced.
Nevertheless, Blake said he thinks that if Midamba were doing a good job, he should have received a permanent appointment to the position rather than have his contract not renewed.
Those who knew and worked with Midamba felt he was doing a good job, he added.
The position hasn't been filled since Midamba's departure, he said.
The matter goes beyond just the Midamba case, Blake said, explaining that the BFSA is concerned about the history of treatment of black employees at YSU.
Black employees aren't promoted here, he said, adding, there is no upward job mobility for them here.