Penn State Behrend prides itself on the diversity of its student body.  With thousands of international students coming to the Erie campus each semester, and hundreds of clubs that provide a safe space for students regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or political ideology,  the Erie campus strives to stand by Penn State University’s core values: Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence and Community.

 

However, in today’s controversial and divisive political climate, one year from the election that polarized American politics, reality on campus does not always reflect these values as they read so simply on the Penn State website and in emails from administration.  Therefore, in terms of being a social justice ally to marginalized groups on campus, the lines are sometimes blurry: Who can be an ally, and what, exactly, does “being an ally” mean?

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Because the word’s meaning has been developing over recent decades, it is difficult to find one definition that suitably represents all the facets of being an “ally” in today.

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However, the most common definition instructs allies to not only stand with those who experience discrimination, but to refuse to stand idly by when witnessing intolerance. An ally must also be dedicated to education: recognizing and gaining information about identities and ideologies, even if this means stepping out of one’s comfort zone--sometimes, especially so. However, being educated is only step one of being a true ally.  Allies must use their education to create a welcoming and positive environment for everyone--all inclusive.

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This definition is, once again, simply on paper. Students of Behrend also spoke of their experience of Penn State values on Behrend’s campus, as well as what being an ally means to them.

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Marisela Poblete, senior Chemistry major and president of the MultiCultural Council, stated that, in her experience, the Erie campus does reflect these values, even if part of the student body is 

 

“What makes Behrend special is that Behrend is a community and is a family,” stated Poblete.

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Poblete also described what being an ally means to her.  

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“An ally to me is understanding a certain group of people and supporting them,” she said.  “It means defending them and being a friend.”

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Juan Rojas is a sophomore Aerospace Engineering major and member of Trigon, a club that focuses on issues relating to the LGBTQIA community. In his eyes, similar to Poblete, being an ally means not only being a friend but standing up against intolerance.

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“To be an ally to the LGBTQ+ to me is to simply hear out the issues that members of the LGBTQ+ community face, and to speak up against hate, as well as educate those who are unaware of what the LGBTQ+ community really is,” said Rojas.  

Additionally, his view of Behrend’s campus is also fairly positive.

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“The faculty and staff on campus are more than willing to uphold these values and support. The majority of students are more willing than not to speak up and respond to ignorance when it does come up which I feel is a great indicator that students on the Behrend campus reflect Penn State Core Values,” he stated.

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However, because a college campus is traditionally a place immense growth with its students as no exception, Behrend still has room to improve.

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“I would love to see interaction between organizations and support among organizations, too.  Too often we see only clubs who are similar supporting themselves,”  Poblete suggested.

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Rojas added, “Campus atmosphere could be improved through events that spread the ideas of tolerance and educate those who are interested in seeing what issues the LGBTQ+ face.”

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Overall, an “ally” is not something that can be easily defined.  It is a continuous process.  As America adjusts to an ever-changing political climate, those on Behrend’s campus must also adapt. Staying aware and speaking against intolerance can help create a better atmosphere for faculty, staff and students.