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The complexities of race and ethnicity in America were new to Ramchandani when she arrived at Hamline. “As an international student and student of color from a more or less homogeneous population,” she said, “I was naĢve to the understanding of race and racism, other than learning the history of my Indian caste system and knowing the impact of the British and their racist ideologies on India.” She was quickly enlightened, however, through racial awarenessągeared theme housing and involvement in ISO (International Student Organization). Her other experiences include diversity training as an RA and SOS
leader, working in the MISA Office, and serving as HUSC president. Her most enlightening experience was her two HUCORE experiences, where she spent time “listening to other students’ stories and figuring out my own identity in America and its cultural setting.” She hopes these stories serve as a catalyst for the students to work toward positive social change.

Ramchandani said she’s upbeat about an increase in staff more conscious of racial justice issues, thanks in part to an increase in staff of color. She’s also encouraged that students who care about social justice issues have a louder and more consistent voice in university affairs and that the cultural breadth requirement is “finally being addressed.”

However, Ramchandani continues to see a lack of education at the policy-making level regarding issues of diversity. Perhaps, she said, this contributes to “too much political correctness as opposed to a real understanding of the issues and really listening to the students’ concerns.” The administration lacks people of color, and within that administration, an “extra eye” seems to be kept on students, faculty, and staff who are concerned with making real change, she said.

So what is the legacy that Ramchandani leaves behind? What advice does she have for us in our fight for racial justice? You have the opportunity to hear from her, along with seniors Colin Smith, Juanita Boyd, and Christina Buckles, at a senior panel that addresses diversity-related issues as a part of the “This is My Story” series. It will be held on Thursday, April 7, at 11:30 a.m. in Giddens Learning Center 100E. All of these seniors have contributed greatly to this campus for four years, and if we could tap some of their wisdom, it would serve us well in our continued pursuit of racial justice at Hamline. The NCORE Network looks forward to seeing you there.