Elon students plagued by lack of diversity

By Bryanna Hames

In a community of 6,483 students, 2 percent identify as multiracial or biracial, and

approximately 28 percent of Elon’s student body identifies as a race other than

Caucasian, estimating that 82 percent of undergraduates identify as white. During a

multiracial student meet and greet, held in the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity

Education (CREDE), sophomore Joshua O’Neil explained a struggle for identity

throughout life.

“Without a doubt the biggest challenge with identifying as multiracial on this

campus is the lack of understanding. I'm always referred to as the "black friend" or "guy"

in a group. Being referred to as black isn't the issue, it's the lack of understanding and, in

my opinion, suggests that they do indeed see skin color,” O’Neil protested during the

opening discussions. As part of the few students of color at Elon, he finds that CREDE is

a second home, where expressing his identity struggles and opinions are welcome.

Around 18 multiracial and 4 African-American students gathered to share

multiracial experiences, interact with staff, and enjoy fruits and beverages. Multiracial

Pacific Islander and African American senior, Danielle Williams, shared stories of racist

encounters and stereotypes on Elon’s campus. “I identify as multiracial because I am

Pacific Islander and African American. I find that many students think that because I am

Pacific Islander that I am Asian, but what many fail to realize is that culturally that’s

incorrect since the Japanese oppressed my people years ago.”

The prominent issue raised was, the analysis of lack of acceptance that each

person seemed to experience, the racist and derogatory remarks, and the

microaggressions that created frustration, loneliness, and anger inside these students. As
Elon pushes for greater diversity in the upcoming years, it was clear that the bigger issues

began with better education to students already attending the university. The main

suggestion was to make adjustments in the Global common core class to focus more on

the problem at home and globally. “Regardless of the uncomfortable feeling people get

from learning controversial issues, it may better prepare and open doors for more students

closer to home rather than searching for results half way across the world,” explained

senior Alexandre Bohannon.

The battle for identity is very prevalent on campus and in society, but the steps

being made to combat mircroaggressions, negative attention to students of color or build

a more diverse environment at Elon isn’t being fought hard enough, according to most in

the discussion. O’Neil expressed this by adding, “I'd say an equally important and

prevalent struggle is the lack of community and people to identify with.”

Each year the university grows, and the number of ALANAM—African/African

American, Latino/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American, Alaskan Native,

and Multiracial—students feel more isolated. Lack of diversity in socioeconomic status

and a more rigorous application process has created a decrease in the ALANAM

community.

The Elon University CREDE allocates for all students and has brought awareness

to the campus community. “We want to create solutions to our issues during our meetings

not just complain about the problems we face. Everyone should feel accepted and

respected and that is the main purpose of the CREDE.”

Sources:

Dwilliams29@elon.edu

cfullwood@elon.edu

joneil4@elon.edu

acee@elon.edu

jthomas36@elon.edu

abohannon@elon.edu