Domestic multicultural RSOs are going through an epidemic, losing members at an alarming rate. Due to the lack of participation, most of these RSOs have fewer than five members.
The Association of Black Student Leaders has only four members on a good day and no black members. It is incredible and refreshing to see that other students from different ethnic backgrounds are interested in RSOs that promote diversity. It also is discouraging to see the lack of people within a specific ethnic background interested in their own culture.
These RSOs were created to alleviate the tensions between the domestic minorities and white students. These groups also help to unify minorities and help them conquer their common struggles while at UW. I serve as the co-chair for the united Multicultural Council, a program created by ASUW that serves as an umbrella organization to help domestic multicultural RSOs. When I see the low numbers in membership, I question why and how we can motivate other students. Are we, as students, becoming lazier or just not interested in our own cultural backgrounds? I spoke with a staff member from the Multicultural Affairs program who also was puzzled to this phenomenon that is not only affecting multicultural RSOs, but also Greek life and other clubs and organizations.
On the other hand, international-student RSOs have been nothing but a success on campus. They have the biggest events, and their organizations have a large and strong support system. This is understandable because many of the students are far away from home and have found a comfortable bubble interacting with people from their native countries.
In the past, the racial climate at the University of Wyoming was very tense and divisive. Many domestic multicultural students were discriminated against and treated poorly. Because of these tensions, multicultural RSOs began to unify students depending on their ethnic backgrounds.
Previous generations gave their time, hard work and possibly were in danger just to bring equality and diversity to UW. As a domestic multicultural student, I cannot stand to see these organizations die.
The racial climate at UW has improved. The university provides great opportunities for students to learn about different cultures. However, Anglo students from rural backgrounds sometimes can discriminate and judge other cultures because they have not seen many multicultural people where they are from.
I have experienced discrimination by other students because of my skin color. I used to get mad and discouraged. I am involved with multicultural RSOs to teach others and to erase the negative stereotypes and look beyond skin color.
Discrimination at UW is not as bad as it used to be, but we still have discrimination. Domestic multicultural students need to bring back the momentum of these RSOs. We are Asian-American, African-American, Mexican-American, Native American and LGBTQ – American, but most importantly we are Americans. Every culture is vital for our nation as we are a melting pot of people, customs, religions and traditions.
