With the majority of students belonging to a minority group, Georgia State is a standard in terms of diversity. Since its start as an all white-male business night school in 1913, the university now welcomes students of all cultures and backgrounds and champions diversity as one of its most valuable assets.
But how open and accepting are we as a student body towards people with different backgrounds, ethnicities and religions?
“You can see in the courtyard that people have their own cliques,” said Robby Tuschl, a senior at Georgia State.
Although Georgia State is diverse, students still tend to befriend people who are similar to them, whether it be through race, gender, religion, or sexual preference.
Research conducted by Susan V. Iverson of Kent State University in Ohio found that diverse people are seen as outsiders. From observing student interactions on campus, one can say this is arguably true for Georgia State.
Why are there cliques?
“I think many people are only friends with people similar to themselves because they’re afraid to exit their comfort zone,” sophomore Abdurrahman Darvesh said.
Another possible reason for society’s hesitancy to intermix is the use of labels. According to Iverson’s research, being a non-ethnically “American” in America causes labels, which, in many cases, are stereotypical and not flattering.
“I naturally gravitate towards Muslims,” said Darvesh. “These people know exactly what I’m feeling and they know exactly what I’m going through.”
Tuschl also said he believes a language barrier plays a part in the hesitancy For international students who don’t speak perfect English or speak with an accent, interacting with those who can is intimidating.
In both cases, being in a group of similar people reduces the chances of being misjudged for something out of another student’s.
The opposite side:
While it might be easy and com- fortable for students to migrate towards a social group they are familiar with, the research suggests that crossing ethnic barriers outside of the classroom could have positives impacts on social behavior and even political views. However, few students are stepping out of their cliques and into others that are drastically different from their own.
“I have always been fascinated by various ethnic groups and cultures that follow,” said Robert Peadon, usually found in the company of Georgia State’s Southeast Asian students. “Georgia State is known for its diversity, but there is something worth noting—all ethnic groups stick together. Get out of your bubble, people!”
Embracing a diverse friend groups builds bridges and fosters understanding, making campus a more enjoyable place for everyone.
“[By having a diverse friend group,] you have more access to different cultures and points of view. It enriches your experience at college,” Tuschl said.
Georgia State is representation of what a shrinking global community is emerging to look like. Fear or not, when student graduate from Georgia State they are going to find a diverse world waiting for them.
“You’ll have to interact with different people in the real world, so you might as well be exposed to it now—the sooner the better,” Tuschl continued.
What is being done to promote diversity?
Georgia State’s Opportunity Development and Diversity Education Planning (ODDEP) department continually works to make the university diverse and give those diversity groups as much opportunity as everyone else.
According to Washington Monthly Magazine, Georgia State is the 13th most culturally diverse university in the nation.
“The Education Trust reports illustrate that something of national significance is going on at Georgia State,” said Timothy Renick, associate provost for academic and the university’s chief enrollment officer, in a statement released by Georgia State last year. “Students from populations who tend to struggle elsewhere not only succeed at Georgia State, they flourish.”
Social values and ethical tolerance and understanding are taught in the classroom, but may need reinforce- ment in social settings for diversity to make an impact.
Many students see the segregation of social groups around Georgia State’s campus and recognize the importance of cross-racial interactions.
Tuschl said he understands the importance in making student diversity groups known on campus. “The more isolated you are, the more mystery,” said Tuschl. “People are scared of what they don’t know.”
Georgia State’s willingness to use scholarships and participation in Affirmative Action to create a multi-cultural campus over the last few decades plays a huge role in the way students interact with one another. It is impossible to dismiss people of different backgrounds and beliefs when they surround you every day.
“I can see [the social order] changing in the future,” Darvesh said. “Technology is allowing us to open our minds and social borders and to get to know people all over the world.”
