ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the connection and interrelationship between Chicana Studies and Women's Studies. The Program in New Mexico is one of the oldest women studies programs in the United States, having been started in 1970 by a group of graduate students and women professors. Because New Mexico is such an intercultural crossroads, from the beginning the program had participation from minority women, particularly Chicanas, who taught the first courses on Chicana relations, history and literature and began courses on race, class, sexual preference and gender issues. Most Women Studies Programs are directed and led by White Anglo Feminists who range in perspectives from traditional to liberal to radical. At times they remember that they need to include minority women in their courses and on their faculties. It is very important to generate public programs, workshops, etc. on issues that minority women feel strongly about. But minority women have to be at the center of the planning for such programs.
