This past week I had the opportunity to attend the U.S. Naval Academy’s Leadership Beyond Barriers Conference in Annapolis, Md. Most of our time was spent listening to panels and lectures, and sharing personal stories and ideas on diversity and how to lead a diverse population.
Coming from South Florida, I never had to deal with diversity issues like the ones often seen at RPI. Minority groups that are often marginalized by students on campus have created many affinity groups. These groups have proved incredibly beneficial for the promotion of the students they represent. For example, organizations like the Black Student Association, Indian Student Association, Muslim Student Association, RPI Pride Alliance, and others. seem to have been able to create a community within RPI that helps them thrive. When I was at the Naval Academy I began to think about the benefits and effects organizations like this have on the entire RPI community.
In the past, we have not been able to discuss issues of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual preference, etc. successfully. As the Independent Council president, it is one of my duties to figure out what independent students’ needs are and address them. The lack of cohesion of the student body is an issue I think we all should take some time to consider.
Do affinity groups promote diversity? Or do you think they cause ethnic, racial, and religious groups to become even further separated?
I want to have an open conversation with the entire RPI community so that we can try to build bridges, not burn them. So this is my challenge: I want to reach out and make student relations better but I don’t think I quite understand all the intricacies involved. Who is willing to work on this? Do we need to make RPI more diverse and if so, how? Should we have a diversity committee or is that superfluous?
I know I don’t have all the answers but I think it’s about time we start looking for some.
