It's not easy being a minority student at a PWI (Predominately White Institution). As a friend from high school once said, "It's like being a couple of raisins in a pool of milk." Here are some signs that you're a minority student at a PWI.
1. You can count the number of professors of color that you've had on one hand.
This is probably one of the most tell-tale signs that you go to a PWI. It's not something you'll notice right away, but over time it'll begin to click that you've barely had any professors of color. It's incredibly frustrating.
2. When the topic of race comes up in class, everyone looks to you for participation.
While I do have a lot to say on the topic, it's not like I have an opinion every time. OK, maybe I do, but the majority of the time it's not something I want to say out loud.
3. You've been the only minority student in one of your classes.
And yes, it's just as uncomfortable as you think it is.
4. Campus food is a serious, serious struggle.
We understand that you have to cater to your audience, but at the very least could you season the chicken with something other than lemon pepper?
5. Chances are you know every POC (Person Of Color) by name, and if you don't, you give them that nod of solidarity.
There's not many of us, so it's easy to know everyone. One time, my school was able to put almost every involved student of color in a GroupMe.
6. Your campus doesn't have a multicultural center (And if they do, it's significantly underfunded compared to other departments).
So as a POC, there's really no where to go when you want to talk to someone who understands the struggle.
7. You've heard someone say, "I have a black friend."
What do you expect me to say to that? Do you want a diversity trophy or something?
8. On multiple occasions, white students have told you that they're oppressed too, so they "understand the struggle."
Really? So it's not like your ancestors enslaved us for hundreds of years, built an entire nation on the backs of POC, and established a system of white supremacy that is responsible for personal, cultural and institutional racism?
9. Black History Month is not supported by the institution as a whole.
My school's Black Students United programmed fun and informative events for the entire month of February, and our university did nothing on social media to support them. But hey! At least they took the time to acknowledge National Umbrella Day.
10. People think your campus is diverse because it has multicultural organizations.
Just because we have clubs like Latin Student Association and Black Students United doesn't mean our campus is diverse. Yes, having these organizations is great, but to what degree are they supported by the university? Are they funded as equally as other clubs?
11. White people get uncomfortable when POC are in solidarity with each other.
12. You mainly hang out with the small group of students and professors who fight for social justice issues.
It might have taken some time, but you were able to find the people who are down with the revolution.
