Many people often define “diversity” and “multiculturalism” as representing a variety of races and ethnicities within a campus environment. But diversity and multiculturalism are so much broader than race alone. Even references to “minority” become synonymous with “African-American,” rather than being inclusive of all cultures on campus.
Cultural spaces are limited for minorities in higher education. On many campuses, minority issues are only addressed during cultural weeks and celebrations (discussions, forums, etc.) and there are a limited number of professional development groups specifically geared toward the needs and concerns of faculty of color. Many minority professors and students note that, when they gather for conversation, the dominant race may perceive it as a “movement” or “riot” against the majority, meaning they must gather outside the walls of the institution to feel comfortable discussing the everyday toils of their jobs, life circumstances, etc.
For some Black male students, their experiences with professors and administrators might change based on the way they are dressed—if they are clothed in business casual attire, they are treated with more respect than if they are dressed casually.
The problem is not limited to predominantly White institutions, however. Though the “historically Black” designation would seem to suggest that multiple cultural outlets exist by virtue of the history and background of the university, this is not always the case.
Sometimes, because the institutions serve a population that overwhelmingly looks alike, the focus on culture seems to be lost. When students are asked about their involvement in the Multicultural Student Center and other events on campus, they often respond with blank stares. Many are unaware of the services offered in this functional area as well as the importance of staying culturally connected. In a university steeped in culture, how do we make it relevant and current to students? If students cannot identify with the older tenants of Black History, how do we support them in their current culture, giving them the space to explore while encouraging them to connect to the past?
In addition to the lack of cultural awareness, there simultaneously exists an issue of threat within the HBCU. There is an overwhelming pressure for uniformity of thought. There is often a misconstrued thought that, because people can identify with one another on race, their experience is the same. “You are a Democrat, right?” is an example of the presumptions that exist on these campuses. Because you are African-American (or Black, Caribbean, etc.) it is assumed that your political views, religions affiliations and overall general opinion align with what is considered to be the mainstream African-American perspective. Having taught several freshmen-oriented classes, advised students and participated in colloquiums across campus it is very apparent that skin color does not dictate beliefs. Our loyalties do not begin and end with our skin color, and faculty, staff and students alike need to feel safe to express these differences in opinion without ridicule.
Instead of using differences as a means of separation, we should use it as an opportunity to learn and bridge gaps; racial and generational for example. One gap that needs further examination is the one that exists between students, faculty and staff at higher education institutions.
