Last night, University students gathered to share issues that Latino, Asian-American, African-American, gay, lesbian and female students encounter within the University community.
The Coalition, composed of the Asian Student Union, Black Student Alliance, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Union, La Sociedad Latina and the National Organization for Women, organized the forum entitled "Not Just a Victim's Game."
Panelist Assistant Dean of Students Ajay Nair, representing ASU, introduced the topic of self-segregation as a "dominant feature of campus life."
A member of the Chinese Student Association said self-segregation is "even more apparent within the Asian community because our own organizations segregate themselves."
Some students suggested that members of their organizations should attend the meetings of other groups to bridge the gap between the University's diverse population.
"Students need to come together and foster warmth," Fourth-year Griot Society president Bokar Ture said.
First-year College student Abby Gardner said she wants to see the University change the way first-year housing is assigned to make allocations random.
The current arrangement "fosters self-segregation" because Old Dorms are not as diverse as New Dorms, Gardner said.
Assistant Dean of Students Shamim Sisson said there have been proposals for random housing options in the past.
Panelist Pablo Davis, an assistant dean of students speaking for LSL, discussed claims of self-segregation within diverse University organizations. He said that while the initial purpose for many diverse groups is to serve their membership and build unity, they also educate the larger University community.
The University assumes that groups only exist for their own membership, Davis said.
Panelist and foreign affairs Prof. Michael Smith, who spoke on behalf of LGBTU, urged students to support friends who are coming to terms with their sexuality.
"For gay people, they are at risk in virtually every environment," Smith said.
Smith said it is important to promote the acceptance of all identities and avoid the misuse of cultural stereotypes.
Panelist Anne Lane, a women's studies professor representing NOW at the University said that most of what society knows about women is incorrect. "We need to replace myth with reality and ignorance with knowledge," she said.
Starting this semester, the Coalition meets once a week and aims to show the University that its diverse leadership is united, fourth-year College student and LSL president Greg Staff said. In the past, the Coalition interviewed and endorsed candidates during University elections.
A follow-up to last night's forum will be held on Oct. 30.
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