As a descendant of enslaved Africans in America, my family has had limited opportunities to engage in higher education, leaving me without generational knowledge about college and how to navigate it. When I arrived at the University of Texas at Austin, I was wildly unprepared. I did not understand the mechanics of housing, financial aid, or college life in general. To make matters worse, my classes were all on Zoom, the campus was desolate, and I was left with an overwhelming sense of isolation and uncertainty.
Financially, I struggled. During my first two years, I paid for dorms I couldn’t afford, leading me to take out student loans. Unaware of my housing options, I mistakenly believed that my only choices were those provided by the university. Despite having access to food through the dorms, I still struggled to eat healthily and sufficiently. These challenges made it difficult to succeed academically. Even though I loved school, my ability to thrive as a student was in jeopardy because I didn’t know how to take care of myself, and I lacked support from both the university and those around me.
Fortunately, during my sophomore year, I came across a flyer for an event called “Queer Prom,” hosted by The Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous People of Color Agency (QTBIPOCA). As a queer person myself, I saw this as a perfect opportunity to find the community I had been searching for. Little did I know that attending this event would change my college experience forever. Afterward, I applied to be an officer for QTBIPOCA, was accepted, and began my journey of providing my community with the resources we deserved.
QTBIPOCA hosts a myriad of events for QTBIPOC students, covering topics such as mental and sexual health, financial literacy, and navigating a predominantly white institution (PWI). These events provide specialized resources tailored to the experiences of QTBIPOC students and create a space where we can celebrate our community. Now, in my senior year, I serve as the director of QTBIPOCA and have witnessed firsthand how our work positively impacts students’ attitudes toward higher education, their community, and themselves. Given what this organization has done for me and many others, I see what needs to be done in higher education to ensure that students of color can persist in college without the burdens of isolation, poor mental health, and financial strain. I have dedicated much of my time to improving educational outcomes for my community, but I cannot do it alone.
Universities have a responsibility to address the needs of their students. They should provide unbiased cost breakdowns of both on- and off-campus housing options, including more affordable alternatives like cooperative housing, so students can make informed decisions. Additionally, for those who choose to live on campus, more nutrient-dense food options should be available at reduced prices. Universities should also implement campus-wide nutrition initiatives to educate students on fueling their bodies properly. Making nutritionists available as dorm staff and offering their services for free or at reduced costs through university health centers would significantly improve student well-being.
To address the mental health challenges faced by students of color, universities should employ multiple mental health care providers who specialize in treating POC and other marginalized communities. Students of color deserve validation of their experiences and should not have to bear the burden of educating their providers about systemic oppression. Equally important, professors should be required to undergo multiple training sessions on anti-racism, colonialism, implicit bias, and structural inequalities. These trainings would help faculty understand higher education’s role in perpetuating racial disparities and power imbalances. Professors are representatives of the university, and if they are not equipped to engage with a diverse student body, they do a disservice to themselves, their students, and the institution as a whole.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, universities must actively resist legislation that seeks to eliminate identity-focused organizations, courses, and majors. Programs like QTBIPOCA, ethnic and identity studies, and other affinity-based initiatives inspire students of color to enroll in and complete college. Without these resources, vulnerable populations will struggle to see themselves reflected in higher education. People of color should not be relegated to the margins; we deserve to be seen, heard, and provided with the necessary tools to close the longstanding gap in educational attainment.
Higher education has historically been a facilitator of racial hierarchy in America—a nation that prides itself on meritocracy and equality. It is time we hold our institutions accountable for the promises they have yet to fulfill.