STUDENT self-governance, a commitment to public service and a rich undergraduate experience all rank high on the list of characteristics that distinguish the University from other top-tier institutions. In line with these values is also the expectation that students at the University become active citizens in the local community and the world. Exemplary of this active student life is the role that the Minority Rights Coalition has fulfilled over the years and continues to fulfill.
The Coalition was founded in 2002 following a discussion between the presidents of the major minority organizations at the time. Out of that discussion came an understanding of mutual support for each others' goals and for advancing an environment of inclusiveness within the University. Eight years later, the impact of the MRC -- whose members include the Asian Student Union, the Black Student Alliance, La Alianza Coalition of Hispanic & Latino Leaders, Feminism Is For Everyone, the Queer Student Union and the Middle Eastern Leadership Council -- is still palpable on Grounds.
The Minority Rights Coalition serves its constituent minority communities through activism and constant dialogue with student leaders and administrators. In the past, the MRC has co-sponsored panels and discussions with other organizations, such as Student Council, on topics ranging from race in historically white organizations to the intersection of race and sexual orientation. Furthermore, the MRC's work is not limited to discussion but also includes effecting meaningful change at the University. For example, the Coalition endorses candidates for student election that will advocate on behalf of marginalized communities. Additionally, leaders of the Coalition work continuously with leaders of the Honor Committee to ensure that the Honor System is fairer than in the past. When the chants of "Not Gay" during the "Good Ol' Song" at football games began to regain popularity this past year, it was the passionate leaders of the MRC, Student Council and Queer & Allied Activism that organized a campaign against the chants. In fact, the campaign was so successful that it garnered the attention of the Chronicle of Higher Education.
One of the other main issues in which the MRC is intimately involved is that of curriculum reform. During the last two years, there have been several student-led efforts asking for the broadening of the curriculum. For example, the Organization of African Students is working to establish an African Studies Major and to increase the number of African languages offered to undergraduates. La Alianza Coalition of Hispanic/Latino Leaders has also been seeking the creation of a Latino Studies Minor, while the Queer community continues to advocate for a Queer Studies Minor as well. Currently the University has a major in Studies in Women and Gender (SWAG), a minor in Asian Pacific American Studies, and an African and African American Studies major.
The growing interest in these fields is partly a reflection of the increasingly diverse undergraduate body. AccessUVA is allowing more students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to attend the University. At the same time, the entering first year class has seen increasing numbers of students of color. While the University should be proud of the progress it continues to make in these areas, it should place equal consideration on the recruitment of faculty of color.
Currently, the faculty at the University hardly reflects the percentage of people of color currently living in the United States and also falls short of approaching the diversity of the student body. Fortunately this year, we are pleased to see Meredith Woo become the first racial minority Dean of the College. With 280 faculty expected to retire and 300 possible new hires in the next few years, departments have the opportunity to change this shameful reality. To make meaningful change, however, recruitment of faculty of color needs to be cognizant that this distribution is fair and reasonable. A concentrated hiring of faculty of color in stereotypical fields puts us no closer to achieving this goal.
The University this year will be something new -- it is the first academic year where we are facing the accumulated changes that have occurred since last year. First-year students, we encourage you to explore what this school offers. Even though you may have never had the opportunity to choose your dorm location, many student groups exist to complement and enrich the first year experience. Peer mentoring groups and various identity-based organizations provide opportunities to make the most of out of this new housing arrangement. We encourage first-year students to engage with the organizations of the Minority Rights Coalition. Lastly, challenge convention -- even the popular definition of diversity that we speak of here at the University.
Carlos Oronce and Bernice Ramirez are fourth-year students in the College and co-chairs of the Minority Rights Coalition.
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