UC student creates action plan to address racial inequality on campus

In the wake of widespread protests to promote racial equality following the death of George Floyd, now more than ever conversations are happening around the nation on how to promote diversity and racial inclusivity. Even at the University of Cincinnati, students are educating senior leadership and asking for a seat at the table to discuss important race-related issues about how UC can cultivate a campus that creates a safe space for Black students. Camryn Morrow is one of the many UC students leading this charge.

While Morrow is very involved within the university, finding the program that aligned with her passions wasn't the easiest experience. She started her college career majoring in sociology committed to pursuing non-profit and community work. Not certain that sociology would lead her to have a thriving career, she sought help from Kellie Jette, the HDCE program coordinator. 

During her first year at UC, Morrow accepted an internship with the non-profit organization Breakthrough Cincinnati where she was able to develop a list of college preparation and access programs in the tri-state area and construct a web-based resource toolkit to be accessed by students and families. She has taken what she has learned during her internship and applied this in her academic coursework and leadership positions on campus.

Yet, with the pervasiveness of racism created a groundswell of racial inequality awareness in 2020 alone, many companies and organizations have turned inward to reexamine their existing policies and missions to address their stance on race and diversity. Camryn, among many of her peers, has brought to the forefront issues they found to be relevant to the faculty and leadership at UC.

The academics segment of the action plan focused on providing more course offerings in the areas of diversity and culture. After performing an audit of the courses that are currently being offered, Morrow and her peers noticed that many of the courses do not align with guidelines outlined by the office of the provost and encouraged the administration to include a student to be present with the faculty committee reviews and approves these courses. 

Mental Health support and counseling is another aspect Morrow and her peers brought to the administration's attention. In 2019, the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) facility at UC lost its only psychologist of color. While students seek CAPS services for many reasons, Morrow and the members of the Undergraduate Student Government understand the importance of having a Black psychologist trained in race-based trauma to support students of color.

Although CAPS is local to UC's campus, many students don't utilize this service because they feel underrepresented or dissatisfied with their counseling experience. Fortunately, the administration has committed to implementing an inclusive search process in hopes to make a more comfortable counseling experience for students of color.