We need to change how we talk about diversity

I know Stevens isn’t the most diverse college in the nation. Yes, most of the undergraduate population consists of white males and a lot of the graduate population is Asian. However, this doesn’t excuse people’s small acts of racism.

Those who know me are probably thinking, “Maryia, why are you complaining about racism?” Because, even though it doesn’t affect me directly, I see the effect it has on those around me.

Last Friday, I was with one of my closest friends, who happens to be Indian. During our time together, she got a phone call from the student employment office. They were calling to inquire about some of the tax exemptions she listed. The woman asked my friend if she knew what the tax exemptions meant and if she was sure she could apply for them. My friend said that she just filled out what her parents said but that she would double check. Then she heard another woman in the background saying something like, “Wait she’s Indian, she’s not an American citizen.” My friend got really mad at that statement replying, “I literally brought in my American passport to you.”

This small, seemingly insignificant interaction had an upsetting effect on my friend. She was disappointed and just shocked. Even worse, when she complained to another friend, the other friend just laughed it off saying, “That happens to me all the time.” She recounted how whenever she goes to the Career Center, they send her towards the graduate career center.

Even though I did not experience this personally, I am disappointed with the attitude of minority populations at Stevens. Students are constantly taught about diversity; students go to sessions whether it is for orientation, e-board positions, etc. Yet, the students don’t seem to be the problem. This experience has illustrated to me that the Stevens staff does not get the same kind of training, and if they do, it is not effective.

How is it alright for staff members to judge the appearance of students to determine where they come from? I understand that historically the undergraduate population has been dominantly white, but if Stevens ever hopes to improve the diversity on campus they need to re-educate people. I would not feel at home at Stevens if I was always being judged by my appearance.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that people need to think about how their actions, even the smallest ones, might impact others. The schools needs to think about what they can do to make sure that these small things don’t happen, such as staff training and not just focusing all the efforts on the students.