Enhancing Voices: Diversifying the Student Union
By Cassandra Young
The Student Union at City College, located on the Ocean Campus in Room 205, is a key space for student life. However, it could do more to reflect the diversity of the campus, particularly for African American students.
The Student Union provides students with plenty of useful resources. It is a critical part of campus life since it offers study places, event locations, and other important amenities. The Union, according to students, helps them find assistance, take breaks in between classes and stay connected. As evidenced by its past, City College is dedicated to creating an environment where everyone is accepted. But it’s never easy for the administration to maintain such a big, busy facility working efficiently.
Despite its many positive aspects, I believe the Student Union might do a better job of representing Black students on campus. As a Black student, I’ve observed that its leadership, programming and general presence lack many African American voices or faces. Although it’s a useful tool, it doesn’t accurately reflect the diversity of our campus or the needs and experiences of City College’s Black students. Some students may find it more difficult to feel completely noticed and included as a result.
I wanted to address the lack of representation for African American students in the Student Union, so I set up a meeting with Hing Potter, the Assistant Director of Student Life & Leadership. I planned to talk about how the Union could become more inclusive and better reflect our community. Unfortunately, Hing missed the meeting, so my questions went unanswered. I hoped to hear about the Union’s plans for inclusivity and share ideas to elevate Black voices on campus. Even though the meeting didn’t happen, I’m still determined to keep pushing for this important change.
As I took a survey of participants to gain more understanding on opinions, I was able to speak with Michael Chat, a current student.
“The Union should celebrate Black culture with events like Black History Month and guest speakers so Black students feel included,” Chat said.
More than just a place for students, the Student Union can serve as a window into City College’s diverse community. It could become a more powerful symbol of equity and inclusivity on campus by including more African American voices in its plans and programs. I’m determined to work for these changes and have confidence.
The Student Union has the potential to be a window into the diverse community that is City College and an even stronger symbol of equity and inclusion on campus.
“Adding Black art, music, and books could make the Union feel more welcoming for everyone,” said Akilah Sade Ancheta, a student who supports campus diversity.
The Student Union, located on the Ocean campus offers a variety of experiences that are an integral part of college life for many students. It has the potential to grow into a certain role in campus culture as it connects students to each other and identifies the individuals. Provided more effort goes into making the space one that reflects everyone in the process.
Student Union may not only be a student’s place; it has also become a window into City College’s diverse community, giving it even more potency to become a prominent symbol of equity and inclusivity on campus if African American voices got more prominent inclusion in plans and programs. I am so determined to work for these changes and have faith.