As a student of color who visits different universities in the Northwest for cultural alliance meetings, I have noticed a few things regarding diversity:

All universities “promote” diversity and cultural awareness

However, what bothers me the most is a lack of multicultural centers or buildings on campuses. I know for a fact that each university stimulates diversity and cultural awareness, yet it is not reflected upon by students.

There is also that idea of Public Relations being in the picture. With that, universities are able to attract more students to apply, which leads to a better standing as well. I have witnessed universities include diverse students in cover photos on their websites. Additionally, I personally feel that universities manipulate cultural organizations in a way that they are able to improve their reputation.

Diversity is a very touchy subject. Nevertheless, I cannot stop but question if universities actually care about each individual organization’s mission and goals and more so, the cause it can bring to the community.

In my recent visit to a university in Washington, a friend talked to me about the struggles and obstacles their diverse organizations had to go through to get their request for a multicultural center approved. Having feared the media, their request got approved. This then leads me to my next point:

Having a multicultural center is important to have on campuses

On the University of Portland, for instance, we are limited to the comfort of our own individual groups and/or organizations. None of the cultural clubs who have larger capacities than other organizations have offices. In addition to that, the majority of the big events that the university holds are cultural nights; yet, there are no storage spaces for props and costumes-- more so, not even a tiny cabinet. We have to store it in our own individual houses.

Having a multicultural building on campus provides a safe space for diverse students and multicultural inclusion groups, which is a standard for a university. Thus, a multicultural building is the ideal place for students to not only intermingle with their own culture, but also promote inclusiveness and socialize with other cultures and students.

Getting rid of exclusivity

From what I have witnessed, there has been a great deal of exclusivity within cultural organizations on campuses. The university is supposed to support and instill thought to members and organizations about helping and supporting each other’s causes, being aware of important issues and completely crossing out exclusivity between cultural organizations. The idea of inclusion is the proper use of diversity among these groups, as well as helping each other out in the most sincere way.

Starting creativity and launching new things

Most clubs only focus on and host the same events each year, which I cease to believe will help the cause of a student-run cultural organization. There should be an encouragement of creativity and resourcefulness, to be able to promote new things and expand their cultural knowledge.

Most importantly, diversity on campus benefits not only cultural groups but all students as well.

Having to work with other students of color, we get to learn more about their cultural backgrounds and experiences. It encourages cooperation, unity and teamwork.