Students Speak Out on Racial Tension

Last Monday, a series of student focus groups began with a student panel discussing the inherent issues of race and ethnicity in Plymouth’s dominantly white student body. Conceptualized by student body Vice President Maya Blanchette, and sponsored by the Presidents Commission on Diversity and the University’s Diversity Scholar Professor Jeanne Dubino, the “Students Speak Out” series is part of an effort to better grasp the student body’s perspective on issues such as race, sexuality, spirituality, and disability. Facilitated by student senator Nate Curry, the student panel consisted of three African Americans and two international students from Costa Rica and Sweden. While the group touched upon topics like the language barrier and the difficulty of foreign students adjusting to a new scenario, the dominant issues revolved around the struggle of Plymouth’s sparse population of black students.Harold Roy, Plymouth State senior, panel member, and president of the Multi-Cultural Society, gave an honest account of the racial barrier running throughout his four years here at Plymouth. Roy was a self-proclaimed “hot head” as an incoming freshmen, responding to racial ignorance with frustration and anger. Roy’s disheartening experience climaxed one night when a white student made a racist insult, sparking a semi-violent conflict that caught eyes of Police. Roy was the only one arrested, solidifying his perception of racial bias in the community and nearly driving him away from Plymouth State University altogether. Only after talking to a number of faculty did Roy decide to stay. Now, instead of getting angry, Roy ignores it or laughs it off. This negative experience was echoed by the two other black panelists whom wished to remain anonymous. They shared the initial “hot head” reaction, along with severe bouts of anxiety and anti-social behavior. “I had to go to counseling when I first got here,” one panelist admitted, “that’s how bad it was.” All complained about being stared at, hearing comments behind their back, and being subject to gross and insensitive stereotyping, even by their white friends. The lack of diversity at Plymouth State, the pervasive ignorance within the student body, and a shared sense of estrangement resulted in the bonding of minority students. As Roy stated, “We had no choice in sticking together, keeping each others backs.” Even though they referred to their group of friends as a family of sorts, some speculated that if Plymouth were a larger, diverse University, the chances of their forming friendships would be questionable. They believed that circumstances would not have forced minority students to form the tiny coalition that exists here at Plymouth State University.Above and beyond confiding in each other, sports were highlighted as the most effective outlet for dealing with the frustrations of daily discrimination. Roy channeled his own frustration into constructive action, forming the Multi-Cultural Society in an effort to provide a tolerant and comfortable atmosphere for all walks of life. In the two years of its existence, the society has grown significantly in size and presence, hosting many successful hip-hop themed open mic competitions and an annual Kwanza banquet. While Roy looks back on his time at Plymouth as an overall positive period in his life, and though his legacy of the Multi-Cultural Society will continue to spread awareness and diversity around campus, his experience remains tainted by steady racial intolerance and the daily angst of standing out in a sea of white faces. He stated he would not recommend Plymouth to his siblings or friends. “After all,” Roy said, “the first time I was arrested was when I was here.” The panel concluded that having a big brother/big sister program would help ease minority and international students into life at Plymouth. It was also concluded that incoming students should get involved with extra curricular organizations like sports or student government as a way to open social doors and provide an outlet for channeling any frustration into positive, productive energy.