Students and Alumni Step Up to Save Identity Programs After University Changes
Three student clubs at the University of Utah have broken away from the university to maintain their programming independently, forgoing university funding. Meanwhile, at the University of Cincinnati, alumni have stepped in to continue Black student programming through the Cincy Cultural Resource Center Foundation.
The Pacific Islander Student Association at the University of Utah lost its student group funding after separating but has raised money through a GoFundMe campaign and sponsors. The foundation in Cincinnati is funding Black student events and plans to fund scholarships in the future. The United Black Student Association at the University of Utah has vowed to continue gathering and building community despite changes to the African American Cultural and Resource Center.
Students, alumni, and off-campus advocates are filling gaps left by shuttered and rebranded identity centers and programs across the country due to anti-DEI laws and campaigns. The Black Cultural Center Collective was founded at the University of Cincinnati to continue programs for Black students after the African American Cultural and Resource Center was renamed and reorganized due to an Ohio law against diversity, equity, and inclusion. Alumni have raised 'well over' $5,000 to run Akwaaba and parents' weekend, with plans to raise half a million dollars within the academic year. However, students and alumni find it challenging to replace the loss of the AACRC, with some students unaware of events happening for Black students on campus.
Students and alumni are adapting to changes and finding innovative ways to continue supporting and programming for their communities, despite universities stripping away supports. The future of these initiatives remains uncertain, but their resilience and determination are clear.
