Students Weigh In: Is the University of Nevada, Reno, as Diverse as it says it Wants to Be?
Since its founding in 1874, UNR has seen thousands and thousands of students and staff members pass through. With over 145 degree programs, the school prides itself on attracting students from all backgrounds. On its website UNR states, “when you join the Wolf Pack, you join a vibrant, inclusive community of students and faculty from all backgrounds.” Valari Esposito investigates whether students believe this rings true.
This story also includes a video on the N word by Anijah Boyd.
Less Diversity Than Expected
“When I looked at the website and everything, I definitely got a more diverse feeling than what I’ve actually experienced since starting here,” Angel Edwards, a student in the business program, originally from North Yorkshire, England, said.
With pro-diversity statements all over the UNR website, some students may assume that the campus environment is full of students from all over the globe.
“From speaking with people of color and diverse minorities they feel as though the campus isn’t diverse and that the campus doesn’t try hard enough to help. Even in my classes of 200, there are probably 80% white students,” she said.
Do Students Care About Diversity?
Paulina Herrera, a transfer student in the communications studies program, is from a Hispanic household. Her father and grandparents were born and raised in Mexico. Herrera has similar views. “ I came from such a diverse place that this campus just doesn’t really compare,” she said.
Promoting Events
“I think the university tries, it’s just the students here don’t care. I went to a Native American event here and didn’t even know what was going on. I think they should do more events and do a better job promoting them. I always see stuff on sports but never diversity. It’s just a thing they say like ‘Hey we’re a diverse school’.”
While some students believe that the campus isn’t doing enough, like Edwards and Herrera, there are others who believe it’s doing everything it can.
Matias Cruz, a public health student, also comes from a Hispanic family. “I can tell we are on the upswing on being diverse,” he said. “I think that the university is almost a Hispanic serving institution. We’re moving in the right direction.”
Above the link for The Center.
Help from The Center
Cruz believes that The Center, a place which according to its website “provides programs and services that support the academic and social success for ALL students at UNR” has helped him dramatically.
“The Center brings all these cultures together in one spot,” he said. “There are all these multicultural fraternities and sororities. It’s cool how they are trying to bring all these different backgrounds together in one spot.”
Jenny Lopez, a criminal justice major from a Hispanic family, also agrees that The Center helps in many ways.
“The Center was the first place I ever visited on campus when I was a scared little (high school) senior,” she said. “I saw all the flags representing different countries. They have a bunch of different events; they celebrate every holiday, every religious occasion. They’ve taught me a lot about things I wouldn’t have otherwise learned. They’re there for every club and organization as well.”
As the UNR campus continues to expand, so does the population of students from all over the world.
“Anyone who feels like they aren’t being represented here, go to The Center,” Lopez said. “Don’t be afraid to stop by. People believe only certain people can be there, but everyone is diverse in their own way so don’t be afraid to go say hi.”
