RE: The Divide of the PWI

(This post is in response to Brenee's post which can be found here.

After reading Brenee’s post about the separation that we have here at UL, I would most definitely have to agree with what she was saying. I am currently a senior here, due to graduate next semester, and I can honestly say that I have felt that very same separation since I started here. I’ve gotten pretty involved throughout my college career; one of the organizations that I have put in a good bit of work is UL NAACP. I have been a regular active member as well as Vice President and Press & Publicity Committee Chair, so I have seen the inner workings of this organization from a few different perspectives. One thing that has remained constant throughout each role is the fact that it is almost impossible for us to collaborate with non-black organizations. We have had a goal for a few years now of branching out at UL and not just wanting to appeal to our black students, but make this an inclusive environment for everyone. I am not sure if it is because NAACP may have a radical or negative connotation or if it’s some unknown reason, but when we reach out to predominately white organizations such as Panhellenic. sororities or IFC fraternities, we would be lucky even we even get a response. It’s unfortunate, because in order to step in the right direction when it comes to diversity and inclusion, we obviously need efforts from both sides and not just those who are being oppressed. It is my hope that one day UL gets better with implementing diversity and that organizations will be more willing to collaborate and work with those who are different from them.

#David