In the last issue of The Hill News, an article was written on how students of color are being used on university pamphlets for advertisements.
Whether these advertisements are used to showcase all the wonderful accomplishments of students of color, it is obvious to the viewer that the true purpose is to check off the diversity box. The experiences of students of color are not a priority on this campus; this is just one of the many observations to prove that. If you have not read the article, I suggest you do. This continues to happen and it’s hurtful to our community, not only to the individual, but to the clubs that they are joining- clubs that are meant to provide a safe space for that community.
People of color and marginalized individuals join clubs and organizations so they can have a safe space on campus. These groups host events, taking advantage of the opportunity to educate the greater St. Lawrence community. Over the past four years, I have witnessed the lack of attendance by members of the dominant groups on campus at these events. Every excuse is made by individuals who have free time but choose not to support their friends, partners, etc. by attending these events.
On the other hand, some clubs have a genuine interest in fostering community, which has led to more collaborations occurring every semester. For individuals in these groups, a collaboration is something new and exciting. It is a symbol of progress. If you are a club that has done so, I will not applaud you for this—you should already be building and fostering relationships with others.
But not every club chooses to collaborate with sincere intentions. Some clubs have alternative motives for doing so. Collaborations and the names of organizations are put together to cloud over the false sense of relationship building, hence playing politics.
The real DISAPPOINTMENT comes when collaborations are put together and only members from one side attend. Members do not care. What is even more disappointing is when a simple “no” is given and yet false claims of partnership are made.
For example, a chartered frat (ruh…rah) asked to collaborate on the Men In Color (MIC) basketball tournament. From president to president, it was agreed that a collaboration was not going to happen because the planning was already completed. Instead, a warm welcome was given by extending an invitation to play and help by tabling in the student center. A link for tabling shifts was sent too, which was not filled out.
As a club president and second semester senior, I have noticed how fraternities and other organizations have a history of putting their names on event flyers that they do not attend but take credit for. This was obvious at the Carnival recently hosted. It is also obvious at other past events/mixers hosted by organizations. My instinct told me it would have been more beneficial and would do the tournament justice by having the frat put their money where their mouth is instead of their “brand” name. It would have resulted in more money being raised for a charity meant to provide clean water to the residents of Flint, Mich. FYI, the government has not taken responsibility for what happened in Flint, Mich.
Over the weekend, the frat claimed the tournament as their signature event for the spring when asked by their national frat representative. MIC has hosted the tournament for the past four years. This should be appalling to the frat members. Not a single “brother” in azure blue shirts and other bright colors was present and only one person donated to the charity.
These members do not care about BLACK STRUGGLES, LIVES and ISSUES that are faced by PEOPLE OF COLOR and other OPPRESSED groups. If they did, instead of claiming to host events as their own, they would have donated or participated in any event hosted by diversity clubs on campus.
This article is written from my own opinion as a club president and senior. It does not reflect the collective opinion of Men in Color or its other members. I am highlighting how clubs and organizations that have non-people of color as members use diversity clubs for publicity. To club leaders, I suggest that you be careful of who reaches out to you and for what purpose. Not only should you be cautious of clubs that do this exploitation, but also of individuals who claim to be a part of your community when it is convenient for them.