Weekly Briefing: When students become "unpaid diversity workers"

When campuses cut diversity resources, students are left to advocate for themselves. ADVERTISEMENT [Weekly Briefing Logo]( You can also [read this newsletter on the web](. Or, if you no longer want to receive this newsletter, [unsubscribe](. “Unpaid diversity workers” Brielle Shorter (above) wanted to attend a historically Black college. Though all 13 of the HBCUs she applied to accepted her, none offered her scholarships. Meanwhile, Ohio State University, in Columbus, did. Shorter, a 19-year-old sophomore, is now among the Black students who make up only 8 percent of the undergraduate population at the flagship institution. When she toured the campus before enrolling, she noted that diversity seemed limited at OSU. Today she’s a member of the Black Caucus, a division of the Undergraduate Student Government, and participating in activities that connect her with other Black students. That sense of belonging that Shorter and some of her peers are seeking can be critical to academic success, experts say, especially for underrepresented-minority students. When colleges have affinity groups that allow those students to socialize with members of their own race, they can “refuel” in a comfortable space, student leaders believe. Resources like culturally sensitive counselors, lounges for students to hang out in, and help with navigating financial-aid forms can further help students connect. These resources may also help colleges with one of their biggest admissions challenges, recruiting and retaining Black students. But for public colleges in some states, Republican lawmakers are proposing and passing new legislation to make these programs more difficult to carry out. At least [40 bills have been introduced in 22 states]( that would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in some way. Ohio is no exception. During the last legislative session, lawmakers introduced [Senate Bill 83](. It would ban most mandatory diversity training, prohibit the use of diversity statements in hiring or admissions, and could also prevent institutions from funding diversity offices. The bill was passed by the Ohio Senate but not the House, and is being revamped. In a climate where diversity, equity, and inclusion work is under fire, student leaders have picked up the slack by recruiting students, running clubs, and pressuring administrators to maintain existing diversity commitments. One scholar of race and education called these students “unpaid diversity workers.” [Read more in our Katie Mangan’s story about racial-affinity groups, here](. ADVERTISEMENT NEWSLETTER [Sign Up for the Teaching Newsletter]( Find insights to improve teaching and learning across your campus. Delivered on Thursdays. To read this newsletter as soon as it sends, [sign up]( to receive it in your email inbox. Lagniappe - Learn. 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