THE MYTHS, stereotypes, and concerns surrounding on-grounds housing are trivial but serious enough to consider for discussion. Whether in words or the perceptions that characterize their experience at the University, students conduct these types of debates all the time. Earlier this week, Student Council gave them a formal opportunity to bring their knowledge and views out into the open by hosting the event "Is it really random: A forum on Housing diversity." The forum featured a number of University officials, student leaders and concerned individuals all coming together to share their ideas on this controversial matter.
What emerged from these exchanges was a shared perception that the University environment appears diversified structurally, but is not diversified perceptually. The University has done a satisfactory job implementing policies that promote diversity -- in any form -- but it needs to do more to inform and impress upon the community that these changes are occurring and to combat perceptions that are currently racializing space in several venues throughout Grounds.
The event first explained some of the background behind the issues. As forum moderator Ryan McElveen highlighted, "space in our community is racialized," further stating that "it's part of the system." He was careful to identify precisely what this meant, arguing that there are "places where certain races feel more comfortable." The McCormick Road dormitories we're repeatedly specified as having problems relating to race, problems stemming from the vast majority of the McCormick population being white. However, the forum also cited statistics showing improvement. For example, in the 1999-2000 school year, McCormick was 14.6 percent non-white, but in the current school year, this figure had increased to 21 percent.
One of the prevailing misperceptions regarding on-Grounds housing is that selections are racially motivated. But John Evans, Director of Housing Accomodations, clarified that "the housing assignment process is race-blind" and, essentially, computer generated. University officials pointed out that students often create this culture on their own, both by the choices they make when they apply for housing and by the conversations and interactions they have with each other.
Student leaders at the event provided a unique, front-line, and grassroots perspective on this divisive issue. Patrick Lee, head of the Asian Student Union, acknowledged that, while there are stereotypes, "I'm more inclined to believe the stereotypes than not believe the stereotypes." Their perceptions were formed by the stories and opinions of friends, who apparently often described a racialized world that seemed quasi-institutional.
When it comes to solutions, Maurice Apprey, Dean of African-American Affairs, correctly urged action by trying to "find other mechanisms for building bridges." Making housing selection completely random, regardless of choice, was one guideline proposed by some students, but the value of choice here is far too significant to be given up with an issue that can be resolved through other means. Before jumping on the boat of randomization, we should exhaust several other alternatives.
The solution is simply for the University to overwhelm the student community with a whole array of imagery and social gatherings, at various spots throughout the year and in the locations under scrutiny, to a foster a sense of belonging and togetherness. Humans can learn things, but they can also unlearn them with enough effort. If students perceive something at a given moment, the best way to wash out those perceptions is to create environs that defy normal conceptions and understanding, forcing people to change their views accordingly.
Unfortunately, it will not be easy to eradicate these accumulated impressions, but that does not mean that we should not try. These impressions do not necessarily involve only racial diversity, although certainly that is the main aspect. Nevertheless, they can encompass everything from the level of affluence to religious background, and we should do our utmost to ensure that we diversify in as many ways as is reasonable and responsible. We are one of the best universities in the country academically, and we should not let the folly of previous generations dictate that we should not be one of the best socially. The University community should use its strength to influence opinions and, ultimately, actions.
Erald Kolasi's column usually appears Fridays in The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at ekolasi@cavalierdaily.com.
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