What makes a university campus a community? Joining a club, pledging to a Greek house, and attending Griz games are some of the ways that UM students create a community on campus. Traditions, like placing a pumpkin on top of Main Hall every October, also help build community spirit.
Yet, campus traditions are not always inclusive. Some traditions fostered community by reinforcing harmful racial, gender, and sexual stereotypes. Others incorporated public humiliation and even physical violence.
Students from marginalized communities organized, creating their own clubs and traditions on campus. Clubs like the Black Student Union and the Kyiyo Native American Student Association provided safe spaces for students of color and celebrated their diversity.
Yet, campus traditions are not always inclusive. Some traditions fostered community by reinforcing harmful racial, gender, and sexual stereotypes. Others incorporated public humiliation and even physical violence.
Students from marginalized communities organized, creating their own clubs and traditions on campus. Clubs like the Black Student Union and the Kyiyo Native American Student Association provided safe spaces for students of color and celebrated their diversity.
