Guest Column: You belong here
Earlier this semester, my committee and I held a Snacktivity consisting of handing out cookies and informing students about the Inclusion Center and its many resources. We enjoyed music, talking with fellow students and the warm weather that kicked off the Fall semester. Of all the great interactions I was able to have with students on this day, one in particular stood out.
I offered a cookie to a passing student and invited them to the Black Student Union’s sand volleyball event set for the following evening. After hearing my invitation, the student responded, “But I’m not black.”
It is no secret that many students at Utah State University belong to a predominant race and religion. It has been my observation that many of these students feel that because they do not look like or feel like a certain group on campus, they are hesitant to participate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion related events.
Regardless of your identity(ies), we want you to be involved. That is not to say that your identity is not important, in fact, quite the contrary is true. The USUSA inclusion statement starts off with “You belong here…we support and advocate for every student regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, language, worldview, education, socioeconomic background, family structure, veteran status, and other identities and backgrounds.”
USU takes DEI related initiatives seriously and has even introduced a new VP of DEI, Dr. Jane Irungu. Dr. Irungu has already formed a DEI Council with four sub-committees that are tasked to achieve a safer and more comfortable environment for all students at USU.
If you are wanting a deeper sense of comfort, safety and belonging, I encourage you to visit our Inclusion Center, stop by my office in TSC 323 or visit with Dr. Irungu. We all work to improve your quality of life and see you succeed on campus. Please do not hesitate to utilize all available resources, recommend items of business that would be beneficial to you and other students or just come and say hi.
I would like to personally invite you to enjoy our Diversity Week and its featured events tailored to our students. The week will include the following events: Heritage Dessert Night (17th), Global Market (18th), Dr. Jane Irungu’s Town Hall (19th), Paint Night (20th), Step-Show (21st), Celebrando Nuestras Raices (22nd). You are wanted here and encouraged to participate.
We want you here. We are here for you. You belong here.
Noah Evaga is currently servicing as the USUSA Diversity & Organizations Executive Director. He is an ambitious finance student, aspiring Private Wealth Advisor, and diligent DEI advocate. Aside from his academic responsibilities, Noah enjoys playing rugby, reading books and being with friends.
— diversityandclubs.ususa@usu.edu