How the SCOTUS Ruling Impacts Our BIPOC Student's Sense of Belonging

Hey Advocates,

My initial plan for today's Weekend Voice post was scrapped yesterday. I watched the news that the United States Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions. It got me thinking about my research on making students feel like they belong in school.

I believe having a diverse group of students in college is crucial, but it's equally important to make sure they stay and feel like they belong. Setting the court ruling aside for a moment, this is an opportunity for colleges like Harvard and UNC to keep creating a welcoming environment for ALL students.

A sense of belonging means that students of all genders, religions, backgrounds (including being the first in their family to go to college), limited income, disabilities, and sexual orientations feel accepted, included, and supported.

The court ruling will have a negative impact on black and brown students, especially if they also face other challenges mentioned earlier. College admissions will change in the future, but the decision has been made. Even though I disagree with it, I want us to remember the students who don't fit into the majority and may feel like outsiders in a new and unfamiliar place.

While I don't work in college administration, I teach classes in higher education. I've noticed that many unwritten rules and expectations can make first-generation college students and others feel like they don't belong. This happens at a time when they need to establish a sense of belonging the most.

Transitioning from high school to college can be challenging when students arrive on campus. They may need help with study skills, time management, planning, and finding places where they feel comfortable emotionally. They may also need to learn how to speak up for themselves and find their needed resources.

Some students have to work to pay for school and care for their families, so they can't participate in extracurricular activities, study abroad, mentorships, or networking events. I think about our students who commute to campus and can't spend much time there.

Could this be a time to use programs or funding for admissions to help students stay complete their degrees? I'm just suggesting ideas.

Those are my thoughts for this week.

- Sheldon