Widespread backlash from local communities of color ignited after MATC President Cruz eliminated the Multicultural Affairs Office and firing 4 student service specialists at the technical college.
By H. Nelson Goodson
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.
August 25, 2025
Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Controversy ignites in the Latino community in Milwaukee after MATC President Anthony Cruz approved the elimination of the Multicultural Affairs Office and its services to students of color, also firing 4 student service specialists, which former MATC Board member Tony Baez responded to Darryl Morin's Facebook post surrounding Cruz's action to close the Multicultural Affairs Office at the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC).
MATC President Cruz is now facing "We Have No Confidence In MATC President" protest by workers, students, instructors and the Latino Community after the Multicultural Affairs Office was recently eliminated and its staff members fired with no recourse to be transferred to other open positions available at the technical college.
In most instances, when certain jobs are eliminated, the employees are given the option to transfer or their job title position is adjusted without being terminated, which in case, all of the staff members (people of color) from the Multicultural Affairs Office were fired (losing seniority) and must reapply for other available positions at the technical college, if they qualify. The alleged discriminatory practice by the MATC Human Resources office is being sanctioned by MATC President Cruz and the MATC Board of Trustees.
The Latino, Black, Asian and the Native-American communities are demanding for those who were unfairly terminated to be reinstated immediately.
The following message was sent out by organizers working to reinstate the terminated employees of the Multicultural Affairs Office, "We are calling on all members of the MATC community—past and present—to join us at the upcoming protest to demand justice for employees of color who were terminated by the MATC administrators."
"It's time for us to stand together, raise our voices, and make sure our concerns are heard. Whether you are an alum, a current student, or a supporter of the cause, your presence matters. Let's unite for change!
"We are requesting the reinstatement of the affected employees and the termination of the manager.
“Accountability before celebration — postpone the investiture of Dr. Cruz until voices are heard.
“We need equity and shared governance before any presidential celebration.”
The AFT Wisconsin also sent a letter to union members of Local 212 (MATC) saying, "Milwaukee Area Technical College President Dr. Anthony Cruz has made the devastating decision to eliminate the entire Office of Multicultural Affairs and its dedicated staff. For years, this office has been a crucial support system for students of color, first-generation students, and other marginalized groups. This move is a clear show of cowardice in our national political climate and a step backward for an institution that should be leading the way."
Members of the MATC Local 212 have raised more than 800 signatures in a circulating petition.
HNNUSA broke the story, article link: https://tinyurl.com/2ku26vsh
Students, instructors and those fired by MATC including other supporters will address the full MATC Board of Trustees on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., downtown campus room M210 located at 700 W. State Street in Milwaukee.
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