College campuses are important places for students to learn and grow. These communities are unique places for people from all different backgrounds and walks of life to come together and share ideas. Even on college campuses, students that belong to underrepresented groups often face a unique set of challenges. In response, there are special offices and groups on campus that are available to support not only these groups, but all students. The Office of Educational Equity and Diversity, the Personal Counseling Office and the Multicultural Council (MCC) are three of the main resources to support minority students, whether that be dealing with race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities or any personal issues.

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“In our office we are not only here to serve those students but also to advocate on their behalf,” said Andy Herrera, director of Educational Equity and Diversity Office. The office has resources for students, such as students with disabilities and learning differences, LGBTQA students, international students, minority students and women. Although many of the services the Diversity Office offers are for minority students, they also support any student that needs them since diversity includes everybody. They also coordinate events such as the Rhythms of Life Series, Culture Week, Feminist Scholar Series and the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. During Welcome Week for new students every year, the office always runs a diversity session. This helps students recognize what a diverse campus Behrend is, while also pointing out the emphasis that the campus leadership puts on celebrating diversity.

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The Personal Counseling Office is located in the same suite as the Educational Equity and Diversity Office. They offer a variety of services, such as individual counseling, psychiatric services, crisis intervention and resources for self-help. These services are confidential and available to all students, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, cultural and religious backgrounds and abilities.

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The MCC is the umbrella organization under which a variety of diversity organizations reside, including the Asian Student Organization, Association of Black Collegians, Chinese Cultural Advancement Club, Diverse Organization of Photo and Video Enthusiasts, Human Relation Programming Council, International Student Organization, Muslim Student Association, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Society of Black Engineers, Organization of African and Caribbean Students, Organization of Latin American Students, South Asian Student Organization and Trigon.

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“MCC is definitely a safe place for all students,” said Marisela Poblete, the president of MCC. “It’s a place where students can meet and interact with students who are similar to themselves. It’s a place where we can freely speak and find comfort in each other.” These groups host a variety of events every year, such as Caribbean Night and the Harambee Dinner. MCC also facilitates conversations between students about various topics related to diversity.

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Particularly after last year’s election, these resources have become more important to maintaining an inclusive environment on campus. The rights of the LGBTQ community, the safety of ethnic and religious minorities, and healthcare dealing with the Affordable Care Act have been a few of the many topics discussed. Students who are part of marginalized groups are able to go to these offices as a safe space. These places have people who are trained to help them and have the resources to make sure that they are kept safe.

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“We as human beings need safety. We need a place where there people like us, that can understand us,” explained Herrera. Students are able to meet with people who are accepting of them regardless of who they are or how they identify. This is an opportunity for students who may otherwise feel unwelcome to have a group of people they value and who value them. Inclusive groups like these can make the difference in a student’s college experience.

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Contrary to popularized views of “safe spaces,” these offices and organizations do not stifle speech, but are instead places where people can ask difficult questions and have meaningful discussions.

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“If you disagree with somebody, at least respect them, or perhaps you’ll ignore them. It would be great if you could engage in a dialogue so you can learn from each other,” said Herrera. This idea is key to maintaining an environment on campus that allows people to feel like they belong, but also gives students the opportunity to grow and learn new things.

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Whether a student is moving from halfway across the world to attend Behrend or is commuting from home, the Office of Educational Equity and Diversity, the Personal Counseling Office and the MCC are there to help students through their college years.