Lauren David, Class of 2023

The Black Student Union is in the midst of creating a number of resources. We are looking to implement a mentorship program with the local community of Newtown, an Africana Living Learning Community, full scholarships for underrepresented students, and mental health resources including seminars on black health. However, most of these initiatives have been created by our club members. It is a little frustrating because the resources available are one’s being created by us. My initial advice for admin would be to stop tokenizing the few black students on campus and truly engage in conversation about why more students of color do not attend the school. Though marketing and engagement are important, students of color are not just a statistic that can be used for grants or to display diversity, we need to be supported through equitable practices. This looks like providing scholarships, creating spaces for safe dialogue, seeing more lectures and teachers that look like us, and facilitating more community engagement. Multiple offices such as the CEO and OOIE provide support through activities enjoyed by students of color. Resources available to students on campus also include access to the student success center and counseling services. New College prides itself on bringing together diverse groups of people but it is also up to individuals who they choose to surround themselves with. I believe my school is representative of other marginalized identities that I identify with such as being a woman and LGBTQ; I can arguably say I’ve found my tribe in shared identities. New College is on the more liberal side which I appreciate when it comes to resolving the issues marginalized groups face and I always feel that there is a place to make my concerns heard no matter what the issue is. But it is not a place where I feel seen and valued as a black woman. I advise prospective students to visit schools when possible to learn what your experience would be like. When I came to New College I knew it was the right fit for me even though there is work to be done on the diversity and equity side. Most importantly, go where you are supported with the most access to opportunity. For me, that is New College.