THOUGH a variety of issues were brought forth following several racist incidents earlier this semester, one issue in particular did not receive the attention it deserves: self-segregation. Self-segregation leads to students of one race isolating themselves from other races or groups. Because of it, the University is now considered one of the worst universities for widespread cross-cultural interactions. Though University organizations can help to facilitate change, ultimate change must come through the student body.
While anyone can plainly observe the lack of race and class interaction by a simple stroll through Grounds, these observations have been put in writing. In The Princeton Review's "Best 361 Colleges," the University is ranked 15th overall in the "Little Race/Class Interaction" category. According to Jennifer Adams, the student survey manager at the Princeton Review, the ranking is based on student surveys, which usually comprise of 10 percent of the student population. Considering that a wealth of backgrounds exist on Grounds, the failure as a whole to interact with one another leaves one perplexed and frustrated, but most of all disturbed.
Growing up, we often look forward to college because of the new kinds of people we can meet, sharply contrasting with the carbon copies one may find in high school or elsewhere. Surely, we are still meeting people who fit this description, but one has to wonder how many opportunities are missed by neglecting to reach out to others of different backgrounds. Though I love the University and the people I have met, I truly feel envious visiting other universities and seeing an eclectic group of students walk by with just about as many different individuals as varying backgrounds.
The Report of the President's Commission on Diversity and Equity researched ways to improve race relations at the University. Many recommendations were made, most of which have been done or are in the process of completion. The recommendations included appointment of a chief pfficer of diversity and equity, Sustained Dialogue being added to the first-year program and the creation of a community engagement program. William Harvey, this newly appointed chief diversity officer, said in an interview that students have already described the self-segregation problem at the University and that he plans to follow-up with student leaders about concerns and potential solutions. In all, the recommendations proposed by the report are small steps in the right direction, but are not all-encompassing and should not be thought of as an ultimate solution.
By targeting first year, the year when many students meet friends that stick with them for their duration at the University, change can occur. Student Council two years ago proposed eliminating the choice between New and Old Dorms. Although eventually turned down, the proposal was seen as a way of combating the growing segregation developing between the two living areas, as significantly more minorities reside in Alderman Road housing. By removing the first-year dorm choice, minorities and non-minorities alike would become more spread out and less likely to cling to one another. In this way, students become exposed to a diverse array of students right as they enter the University.
Many organizations exist at the University that attempt to spread diversity in every sense of the word, but often their efforts do not reach the student body as a whole. The Minority Rights Coalition, the Kaleidoscope Center for Cultural Fluency and Student Council are just some of the organizations that provide gateways to cross-cultural interactions. In an interview, Adrienne Patton, chair of the MRC, described some of the events her organization holds. For example, each semester there is a forum between the Black Student Alliance and the Queer Student Union. Similar events are mostly on a small scale, but are the beginnings of change.
Such events provide the sort of comfortable settings that encourage cross-cultural interaction. However, these events must be initiated by students. If only apathy exists among the students on this issue, then University organizations are powerless. Darius Nabors, executive vice president of Student Council, echoed these sentiments in an interview. In order to be effective, Nabors said, "[Student Council] needs student response and student opinion."
In the end, cross-cultural interaction remains little more than an individual choice that cannot be forced upon anyone. Though it may be out of one's comfort zone, attending a cultural organization's event or going to a party with a different sort of crowd may turn out to be more enriching than a typical night. To experience something new can only strengthen an individual. Not to mention, you may meet someone you cannot believe you ever lived without.
Rajesh Jain's column appears Thursdays in The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at rjain@cavalierdaily.com.
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