For a relatively small community, the U boasts an impressive amount of diversity on campus. Approximately 28 percent of the student body is non-white, and eight percent are international students. Our campus is undoubtedly one which promotes and supports the many cultures that find their home here.
Still, because the majority of the U’s population is Caucasian, some groups may feel marginalized or have trouble finding students who share the same background. Cultural and ethnic student groups are an effective way for minorities to connect, but often times these groups are too exclusive. Cultural groups on campus should be more inclusive and allow people of other ethnicities to join.
Whether or not it is intended, these student groups are exclusive. Often, when you see a gathering for a particular group, you will notice only a specific nationality or ethnicity of people in attendance. While it is neither the group’s fault, nor the fault of those who choose not to join, both sides must make greater efforts to reach out to one another. Just because a group may be focused on a particular culture does not mean those who come from other backgrounds should feel uncomfortable joining it. In some cases, cultural groups can further isolate students from the larger student body. If something is not changed about these student groups, the campus population will be further separated and students will find it increasingly difficult to relate to another individual from a different background
So what are the benefits? Clubs in which a particular culture is the focus provide students with diverse mentors to look up to. In addition, these groups help individuals to culturally integrate into the social and academic facets of their community, making new environments less frightening and more comfortable. Cultural groups can keep students up-to-date about scholarship prospects and relevant opportunities and create a safe and judgment-free zone for one’s unique cultural practices.
Although the merits of these groups are undeniable, more needs to be done to include those of other ethnicities and encourage more people to get involved. Some of the problem, and therefore a part of the solution, lies in the simplest part of the student group — its name. Using titles such as “Asian American Student Union” or “Black Student Union” automatically invites individuals who actively participate in those cultures and subtly shuns those who do not. There does not seem to be any invitation to other groups of students to learn and educate themselves on these cultures, which would be beneficial for both parties.
Group facilitators should attempt to fill a small percentage of each group with students who may not directly identify with the culture but are nonetheless interested in it. Using student groups to bridge the gap between different cultures is the most effective way the student body will find to band together as a campus community.