69. Support student and alumni organizations that seek to address the needs of racial and ethnic communities.[i]

Campus Support Programs 09.6.24

Here’s what the federal government can do:

  • The U.S. Department of Education should collect, conduct, and disseminate research on the disparities in financial resources dedicated to historically Black and multicultural Greek organizations, compared with historically White Greek organizations.

Here’s what state government can do:

  • State legislatures should require higher education institutions to establish a minimum amount of permanent, annual funding toward supporting racial and ethnic cultural centers, student organizations, and alumni organizations that seek to address the needs of specific racial and ethnic communities.

Here’s what institutional leaders can do:

  • Higher education institutions should provide permanent and annual funding towards supporting racial and ethnic cultural centers, student organizations, and alumni organizations that seek to address the needs of specific racial and ethnic communities.
  • Higher education institutions should ensure that information about student and alumni organizations that seek to address the needs of racial and ethnic communities are shared in recruitment materials, catalogs, student handbooks, and on public websites.

Higher education institutions should ensure that information about student and alumni organizations that seek to address the needs of racial and ethnic communities are shared in recruitment materials, catalogs, student handbooks, and on public websites.

Student organizations often create safe spaces and organize events dedicated to the rich experiences of racial and ethnic communities on campus. Organizations such as historically Black and multicultural Greek organizations may host cultural celebrations and build support networks that foster inclusivity, a sense of belonging, and empower their student members. Similarly, alumni organizations that seek to address the needs of marginalized students often establish mentorship programs, scholarships, and networking opportunities to continue supporting students of color beyond graduation and into professional spheres. Higher education institutions should support student and alumni organizations that seek to contribute to the success of students of color in higher education.

[i]As described in the note provided in the introduction of this resource, DEIA programs and race-conscious policies generally vary in their terms and scope; most programs and services, as well as the recommendations offered in this document, are lawful under federal statutory and constitutional laws. Readers are encouraged to consult with their attorneys for legal advice to understand the rights and obligations of students, faculty, administrators, and greater society.>