Each year, cultural shows like the Lunar New Year Festival and Black Anthology dazzle us with their electric performances, cultural clothing, and unique heritage. The shows draw students from all backgrounds to learn about these communities’ cultures, contributing to a more inclusive campus — and it’s wonderful. But while these shows are crucial to celebrate diversity, they shouldn’t be the only time we consider supporting and uplifting the communities these shows represent. 

During a time when DEI is under national scrutiny, students must seek out ways to learn about other cultures, religions, and perspectives. Possessing this knowledge will allow students to put what they hear in the news and around them into context, and think for themselves when minority populations face discrimination and poor representation in media. 

Taking steps to learn about the communities around us is crucial now more than ever. Hate against minorities and ethnic communities is on the rise in America. Our generation — the first to be raised on technology and media — is being brought into the fold of adulthood. 

The way we think is heavily influenced by the media we consume, and the only way we can filter through that is with critical thinking based on knowledge and empathy. Empathy grows with understanding, which can be fostered when we hear about other communities’ histories, experiences, and cultural identities. 

As WashU students, we have the opportunity to interact with a variety of people from different backgrounds. We simply need to seek opportunities to learn about them in clubs, campus seminars, DEI programming, and classes, to name a few. Although some WashU traditions have disappeared over the years, there are so many events for us to take advantage of, and maybe you can get a free meal or a new friend in the process. 

Unfortunately, most students do not engage in these opportunities. There seems to be a fear of entering spaces that make students feel uncomfortable, especially when going on their own. That’s entirely natural. Things that make us uncomfortable are generally things we stay away from. We might be thinking: “What if I go and I’m the only one not in that minority group? Will anybody even talk to me? Will they be wondering why I’m even here? I probably shouldn’t go.” 

You should go. People appreciate when you give them a space to talk about their identity (as long as it’s in a respectful manner). It makes them feel cared for, included, and valued by the community. 

The lack of engagement in diversity and inclusion-related events doesn’t fall entirely on the shoulders of students. WashU doesn’t publicize these opportunities well, and many student affinity groups encounter challenges from the University in their marketing attempts. 

For example, based on lack of attendance and publicity around campus, most students seemed not to know about the MLK Commemoration that took place in Graham Chapel. If the events aren’t well-promoted or conflict with other WashU programming, then students probably won’t even know about them, much less go to them.

It is time we push for a campus culture that consistently uplifts and engages with diverse communities — not just when it is convenient or entertaining. WashU must step up to ensure these student groups receive the year-round visibility and institutional support they deserve, and students must challenge themselves to explore beyond their comfort zones. 

Our collective commitment to inclusivity should not be seasonal. Xenophobia is on the rise in our country and our generation needs to be equipped to combat it.

Staff editorials reflect the opinion of the majority of our editorial board members. The editorial board operates independently of our newsroom and includes members of the senior staff.

Hadia Khatri | Managing DEI Editor 

Jordan Spector | Managing Forum Editor

Kate Theerman Rodriguez | Junior Forum Editor

River Alsalihi | Junior Forum Editor

William Fieni-Thies | Junior Forum Editor

Alice Gottesman | Managing Scene Editor

Elizabeth Grieve | Senior Scene Editor

Nina Giraldo | Editor-in-Chief

Avi Holzman | Editor-in-Chief

Quinn Moore | Managing Newsletter Editor