How to Promote Interracial and Inter-Social Class Friendships Among College Students
Bashir Tofangsazi
Mentor: Mina Lee
Since I began teaching at Xavier University, I noted that students tend to mostly associate with those that belong to the same socioeconomic status as their own. I wondered if this could make some students feel left out from college life. My suspicions were confirmed when in more than one occasion, students confided in me that they did not feel as though as they belonged on campus. This was the case with students of color, and Caucasian students who came from lower economic background.
I view this perception (regardless of whether it is based on reality or not) as problematic for a variety of reasons. As an educator, I believe that such assumptions are likely to be detrimental to student retention. As a sociologist, I view this as a troubling trend that could harm social integration and solidarity. Finally, as a teacher in an institution based on Jesuit principles, I believe that this is conflict with Cura Personalis.
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