Giving marginalized groups their voice

The development of a Multicultural Student Affairs Office to provide a safe, supportive environment for students with marginalized identities has been a while in the making. But with last spring’s hiring of Cherrelle Gardner to direct the efforts, things are moving very quickly. According to Cherrelle, students are very excited and providing great energy and ideas. “I’m very interested to see what this office can mean and what it will turn into,” she says. “Everyone’s been very supportive of having a very diverse student body,” Cherrelle says. “We’re working on figuring out the inclusivity part. We have them (students of color) here. Now, how do we make sure they are included and supported?”

The answers to that question are starting to unfold with two key initiatives and revival and launching of new student organizations this semester. Already, marginalized students are beginning to feel they have a voice.