Ethnic Student Organizations

Ethnic student organizations are one type of interest group located on college and university campuses. Such groups consist of, but are not limited [Page 839]to, recognizing or bringing greater awareness about one or more ethnic groups, engaging in social and political activities that are of particular interest to a specific racial or ethnic group, or having a Greek letter affiliation in which membership is based upon one ethnic or racial group. They are led by, and composed of, students representing an array of racial and ethnic communities and must be institutionally recognized in order to function on campus.

Ethnic student organizations represent a unique type of group because their mission, goals, and activities are geared toward the interests of students from racial and ethnic minority populations. Whereas some ethnic student organizations target only one ethnic group, others may have a pan-ethnic focus. Historically, ethnic student organizations first existed in the form of literary societies, study groups, and, in extremely few instances, fraternal organizations because there were so few students of color allowed access into predominantly White institutions. Given the institutionalized racism in higher education during these earlier years (e.g., 1900s), such groups likely had no true institutional affiliation. At historically Black colleges and universities, ethnic student organizations also included literary clubs, gospel choirs, sororities, and fraternities.

Ethnic student organizations reached their height of prominence during the civil rights movement and various student movements during the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, federal intervention and newly implemented civil rights legislation increased access to predominantly White institutions for racial and ethnic minorities. Thus, college-going populations in the United States shifted dramatically. However, many institutions were resistant to these changes and promoted environments that were less than welcoming to students of color. As a result, racial and ethnic student groups galvanized their efforts to fight for equitable treatment. They conducted peace marches, sit-ins, and protests that urged campus administrators to hear their voices. They also issued demands, including the creation of ethnic studies programs or departments, establishment of culture centers or houses to have a safe space, the hiring of more faculty and staff of color, and the recruitment of more students of color.

Today, ethnic student organizations are vital to the retention of racial and ethnic minority students, particularly at predominantly White institutions. They are the primary venue through which students of color gain a sense of acclimation and integration into the college environment. Through involvement, students create strong friendships, establish a greater sense of identity, have opportunities to interact with faculty of color, and build a stronger commitment to their respective communities. They also provide spaces for students' interests and concerns to be validated. Ethnic student organizations sponsor programs to celebrate the presence and diverse cultures of students, highlight the contributions of peoples from many racial and ethnic backgrounds, and foster greater awareness of the needs of students on campus. Various campus departments call upon ethnic student organizations to participate in the recruitment and retention activities for students of color.

Ethnic student organizations often serve as the gateway for encouraging and getting students of color involved during their collegiate years. Members engage in community outreach activities, such as tutoring elementary students and fund-raising for college scholarships and for other important causes that address the needs of the community. These organizations also participate in political engagement and activism. They rally and partner with others to ensure that racial injustices are appropriately addressed and that campus administrators remain attuned to the needs of students. They provide leadership development opportunities for members and often serve as springboards for students of color to be involved in mainstream campus organizations that are typically composed of and geared toward the interests of White students. Students of color add perspectives that make more mainstream campus activities relevant for all students, regardless of racial or ethnic designations. Ethnic student organizations provide important social outlets for students by hosting events such as game nights, debates on current issues, guest lecturers, movie nights, and cultural celebrations. Many of these social events are sponsored during designated cultural months such as Black History Month or Latino Heritage Month.

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