Growing up in Petersburg, Va., just south of the state capital in Richmond, Tiffany Chatman did not expect to attend the University. In fact, Chatman said it was a rare occurrence for college admissions officers to visit her predominately black high school.
"Outreach from this school is practically non-existent," said Chatman, referring to the University's lack of recruitment efforts in her hometown.
Based on the recommendation of a respected teacher who happened to be an alumnus, however, Chatman decided to apply to the University in her senior year. Though she lived just over an hour away from Charlottesville, Chatman had been unaware of the University's very existence until that point.
Now, Chatman said she is ready to move on with her life after more than three years at the University which she believes has been plagued by a string of racially-motivated incidents. Still Chatman said she has no regrets about her decision to come here as an admittedly sheltered youth.
"I've learned so much from U.Va." she said. "It hasn't all been positive, but it's important nonetheless."
For black students, Chatman describes the negative aspects of University life as surprisingly subtle yet readily apparent.
"There are still things that exist to make me feel unwelcome," she said.
From being the last partner picked by students in an all-white class to sitting alone on a crowded UTS bus, Chatman said the racial incidents that have most affected her life often lie just below the surface. In many cases, however, she does not think students realize they are acting upon their subconscious prejudices by treating her differently.
"I think a lot of things here are born of ignorance," she said. "U.Va. fosters those stereotypes and ideologies."
Everyday interactions aside, Chatman expressed concern that racially-charged incidents could be indicative of a larger culture of hate at the University.
"It's unsettling," she said. "There are students walking around this campus who I'm probably even looking at who would prefer that I'm not here to the point they'd be willing to assault me."
Chatman said there are no easy answers when it comes to encouraging social change. What she thinks could help, however, is an increased administrative presence at meetings of racially-concerned student organizations.
"I don't think anything in here will work without the full cooperation of students, faculty and the administration," she said.
While acknowledging the sheer weight of demands often placed on University officials, Chatman would like for high-level administrators to get more involved with student efforts, if for no other reason than moral support.
"You say you're against racism, but you need to practice what you preach," she said. "We need to see you there."
With the University's deep-rooted tradition of student self-governance, however, Chatman places the ultimate responsibility for change on the shoulders of students themselves.
"People look at it as being somebody else's problem," she said. "But in reality, it's all of our problem."
--Compiled by Jason Amirhadji
Read More
Senior VP for Operations Colette Sheehy looks back at her career at the University
By Brandon Kile | 8 hours agoSheehy’s role involved overseeing the work of around 2,500 University employees, including custodians, architects and engineers.
Will the Faculty Senate’s no-confidence vote impact the U.Va. Board of Visitors?
By Brandon Kile | YesterdayIn many cases, a no-confidence vote may soon be followed by steps taken to remove the leadership that may be acting against the wishes of a community.
Two senior U.Va. Health leaders quietly take new jobs without formal announcement
By Ford McCracken | 2 days agoKibbe’s departure marks the end of an ongoing battle between U.Va. Health employees and their senior leadership.
