As I stepped onto campus my first day of school, I looked around at my surroundings. Students walked in quick steps, buildings and trees towered over me. I was excited to finally be in college, also knowing The Reveille would publish my first story that week. Eventually I adjusted to my classes, my job and to life. I began reading The Reveille on a daily basis, of course, and then moved on to reading other student-related materials.
I felt something was missing. Finally, I put my finger on the problem. A voice was missing. Where were the minorities on campus? As a high school student, I decided LSU would be the best choice for me because the tuition was free and I saw it as the most productive school in Louisiana. I was overwhelmed with friends’ opinions because they felt LSU did not represent a diversified college community. When I arrived at LSU my observations were only filled with diminutive details hinting small groups of minorities. Coming from a Hispanic background with different beliefs probably made things even more complicated.
It is evident there are more white students than students of other races. Also, it is obvious Hispanics have not been a big part of this school. I was worried I only would be part of the 2 percent Hispanic community. This made me begin to feel uncomfortable in my job and also affected my social life. Yes, you may see several Hispanic students while you walk to classes, but where are they when it matters? Others may look at the Hispanic community and wonder why it is important for it to rise up with everyone else. For a long time, we have been looked at as a small minority that is generally poor and not educated. Now, we have more Hispanics from different countries trying to receive an education. Hispanics are receiving college degrees and becoming more successful as the generation grows. Employers are looking for people with different backgrounds, but who still have working skills. This small community, as well as other larger minority groups, finally has the chance to be successful. The question is how is LSU going to benefit these minorities? This made every thought questionable. Doubts about fairness and ignorance at work, in class and at the dorm filled my mind.
It is simple. Minorities as a whole are not included on campus, but they are almost excluded: another group that does not fit in. What is LSU doing to diversify the school? Recently, The Reveille established a diversity committee, which will help encourage students to step out from LSU’s crowds. It is essential to encourage minorities so they know they do belong.
Last summer I applied to work at The Reveille not knowing what would come and I was hired. This was my first contribution. Now, this semester I am a columnist. Applying for different jobs around campus, joining fraternities, becoming involved in the African American Cultural Center and establishing other minority clubs is a start to creating a diverse LSU.
Many students feel uncomfortable with standing out because separate groups unintentionally form. LSU’s student body is about 2 percent Hispanic and around 9 percent AfricanAmerican. In order to let this aspect of the school shine through, it has to been seen and publicized. If no one ever says there are students from other countries and different backgrounds, people will not pay attention. Life will go on the way it has always been.
It is not just that minorities come from different backgrounds, but our beliefs are different. As people settle into their lives after school, they find careers and develop other social groups. Will they know about working or simply conversing with people from different backgrounds? LSU as a whole cannot improve diversity with only the majority representing the school. A variety of members come together to make this a safer community for students and faculty.
It not only is the school’s responsibility, but also that of those who want to be involved. If minorities on campus do not start encouraging the school to do things for them, then how will anything be done?
Students need to make their voices heard. If silence is the answer for minorities then this community will not reach its full potential.
The necessity of a diverse LSU will give people a more concentrated education and a better understanding of the world. The purpose is to educate about subjects such as history, English and math and also to help people work with others.
Today’s generation does not only consist of black and white, but of a variety of colors. Maybe this can be a path for many more to come.