2008 Woodie Awards
Letters to the Editor
Issue date: 5/2/06 Section: Opinion
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Dear Editor,
In response to the Opinion article, "Diversity clubs contribute to social segregation" (April 4), I thought I would share my observations as a (somewhat) biased diversity club moderator. I hope Collegian readers will understand how essential it is for students to feel a sense of belonging in college. For students of color attending a predominantly white college, feeling accepted or understood can be challenging, especially if they come from diverse communities. Beverly Daniel Tatum's book, Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? addresses the many reasons students of color gain support from each other. While some view this as self-segregation, one perspective is to recognize that within these clubs, students can socialize, support each other, and enhance their connection to Saint Mary's through the lens of a shared ethnic identity. With no Ethnic Studies major and a limited number of courses examining issues of ethnic identity, the diversity clubs help fulfill a need for students to explore and develop their ethnic identity. And, they allow students to build community while helping the campus at large to understand and appreciate what their distinct cultures add to Saint Mary's and beyond.
Sincerely,
Andrea Lum
Co-Moderator, Asian Pacific
American Student Association Coordinator,
Asian Pacific American Student Programs
Dear Editor,
The article, "Diversity Clubs Contribute to Social Segregation," in the April 4th issue of The Collegian, is an important topic and worthy of discussion. Saint Mary's College's Catholic, Lasallian, and Liberal Arts traditions distinguish us as an institution of higher learning. Our Catholic tradition reminds us of our faith and the dignity of all persons; our Lasallian tradition encourages social justice and respect for all persons; and our Liberal Arts tradition challenges us to expand our worldviews. The thread that links all three traditions is inclusion.
In response to the Opinion article, "Diversity clubs contribute to social segregation" (April 4), I thought I would share my observations as a (somewhat) biased diversity club moderator. I hope Collegian readers will understand how essential it is for students to feel a sense of belonging in college. For students of color attending a predominantly white college, feeling accepted or understood can be challenging, especially if they come from diverse communities. Beverly Daniel Tatum's book, Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? addresses the many reasons students of color gain support from each other. While some view this as self-segregation, one perspective is to recognize that within these clubs, students can socialize, support each other, and enhance their connection to Saint Mary's through the lens of a shared ethnic identity. With no Ethnic Studies major and a limited number of courses examining issues of ethnic identity, the diversity clubs help fulfill a need for students to explore and develop their ethnic identity. And, they allow students to build community while helping the campus at large to understand and appreciate what their distinct cultures add to Saint Mary's and beyond.
Sincerely,
Andrea Lum
Co-Moderator, Asian Pacific
American Student Association Coordinator,
Asian Pacific American Student Programs
Dear Editor,
The article, "Diversity Clubs Contribute to Social Segregation," in the April 4th issue of The Collegian, is an important topic and worthy of discussion. Saint Mary's College's Catholic, Lasallian, and Liberal Arts traditions distinguish us as an institution of higher learning. Our Catholic tradition reminds us of our faith and the dignity of all persons; our Lasallian tradition encourages social justice and respect for all persons; and our Liberal Arts tradition challenges us to expand our worldviews. The thread that links all three traditions is inclusion.