voices

Summary

The website content reflects on the challenges faced by BIPOC students in academia, questioning the efforts of institutions in diversity recruitment without adequate support and inclusion, and invites writers to respond to the issue through creative writing.

Abstract

The web content presents a critical view of the academic environment's approach to diversity and inclusion, particularly concerning BIPOC students. It questions the sincerity and effectiveness of recruitment efforts that seem to prioritize meeting quotas over the actual retention and support of BIPOC individuals. The text highlights the emotional toll on BIPOC students who often find themselves isolated in their research labs and classrooms, as well as the burden of being expected to contribute to DEI committees without their feedback being taken seriously. The piece extends an invitation to a diverse group of writers to engage with the topic by writing poems, essays, or shortform pieces, encouraging them to share their experiences and perspectives. The content is part of a series of daily challenges and is curated by Lucy Dan, who also announces the publication of her book.

Opinions

The author expresses skepticism about the genuine commitment of academic institutions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as evidenced by their focus on recruiting BIPOC students without tracking their retention.
There is a sense of frustration over the repeated dismissal of feedback provided by BIPOC students, suggesting that their contributions to DEI initiatives are not valued.
The content conveys the feeling of alienation experienced by BIPOC students who rarely see themselves represented among their peers or faculty.
The piece criticizes the tokenistic use of BIPOC students on DEI committees, where their suggestions are overlooked in favor of centering faculty intentions.
The invitation to writers to share their thoughts and experiences on the subject indicates a desire to amplify diverse voices and foster a more inclusive dialogue on the challenges faced by BIPOC individuals in academia.

a poem

Why do you spend so much effort recruiting BIPOC students as if to stuff a quota but not track just how many BIPOC students leave?

Why do you ask what can be done when we have already given the feedback and it’s been shot down, time and time again?

How pleasant do you think an experience can be when you are the only BIPOC student in your research lab, when you have never had a BIPOC teacher teaching classes, when you are constantly asked to serve on DEI committees as a symbol of inclusivity yet your suggestions and experienced dismissed with centering of faculty intentions?

Poetry Prompt: voices

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