Filling The Quota

Being a POC at a PWI.

by DESJAH ALTVATER ★ JULY 10, 2020

Dear Syracuse University,

Being accepted into your class was an interesting moment for me. I was not necessarily over the moon and jumping for joy, but I knew that I...did something. Yes, I was happy to be welcomed onto your cobblestone walkway and greeted by Otto. However, when I moved in during my freshman year, I knew that something was slightly off. From uneasy encounters with DPS, to being constantly asked “what country I am from,” and having to garner identification when non-Black students did not, I have always questioned my purpose on your pathways.

Sincerely,

POC

Credit: Pinterest

According to College Factual, when you break down the enrolled student demographics at SU, data claims the population of both undergraduates and graduates is: 53.6% White, 8.24% Hispanic or Latino, 7.29% Black or African American, 5.92% Asian, 2.86% Two or More Races, 0.498% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0978% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders. While Syracuse University may preach to “love diversity” these numbers are not adding up to prove them right. Being a part of that 7.29% has been an uncomfortable experience as I have never felt completely safe walking through campus. As a student, it was not—nor is it still—unusual for me to be the only woman of color in any of my classes. During group projects specifically, I began noticing how I was treated differently than my peers. Sometimes, my input was not even considered and my voice was diminished. 

When we express our concerns to peers, staff, or faculty we often hear, “but you chose to come here.” Rather than focusing on changing the school environment to make campus spaces more diverse and inclusive, individuals blame us for our own discomfort. After frequent annoyance and disgust with class discussions that were insensitive to current events of POC, I silenced my voice not understanding how powerful it has always been. 

Credit: Syracuse.com

During the Fall 2019 academic semester, various racist rhetoric and symbols were placed across the campus. As a result, the general student body gathered and curated the #NotAgainSU movement which caught the attention of numerous mainstream news outlets. #NotAgainSU established various protests including sit-ins which occupied the Barnes Center for days and eventually Crouse-Hinds Hall. 

“It’s a different environment and different experience that you find yourself struggling on what to say and how to say it. You are surrounded by thieves that scream they are liberal but at the same time say “I didn’t know racism was this bad.” You have moments where if you voice your opinion on Black matters they try to tell you how diverse they are instead of actually showing how diverse they are (they try to tell you how diverse they are but when you look around the campus you're just lost trying to find any form of diversity). Then you think as a Black person why do I have to find a safe place for Black people if it is so diverse. You struggle between microaggressions, hateful speech, or racism while also always feeling as though you are placed within that room in order to educate those on their ignorance or the struggle with trying to [constantly] defend yourself and your people.”  - K.E ‘21

Credit: Global Grind

While my fellow friends of color and I have too many horrific experiences to recount at various PWIs, it has made us stronger. The daily struggles and discomfort united us and helped us create our own safe spaces, especially through student organizations. When we come together, we don't have to explain, worry about how we are perceived, or people touching our hair. When we feel alone, frustrated, and upset we have a tribe that understands us. At PWIs, you can also find allies who are willing to join you in the endless fight towards justice and inclusivity. They are willing to listen to our stories and be the voice in the room to speak up when we are too tired.

Despite the struggles, microaggressions, and the lack of belonging, I do not necessarily regret attending a PWI. One of the deciding factors in choosing your college destination is financial aid, which PWIs give out generously as opposed to HBCUs. While it may not get any easier, we will continue to create awareness to show that our experiences and voices matter as we fight to be heard by our peers, faculty, and staff. 

We are not here to fill your quota, we are here to change the world.

Cover photo credit: Instagram (@harvardblsa)