Opinion | Beyond a Buzzword: Why DEI is Essential for Chapman’s Future
Written by Bella Sandoval
Photo by Emily Paris, Photo Editor
Growing up as a brown girl in primarily white spaces, I was always acutely aware of the stereotypes trailing me. I was often seen as the token person of color — told I didn’t “act like I was Mexican” — and felt isolated, different and powerless.
In high school, my opinions were routinely dismissed, and I was labeled too sensitive, as if caring about feelings was a flaw. It became painfully clear that outspoken Black and brown women like me were met with extra hostility from misogynistic white men. I spent years straightening my curls and softening my voice, desperately trying to fit in and erase the parts of me that made me different.
Then, in 2020, with the surge of the Black Lives Matter movement, conversations about race, gender, and inclusion took center stage. For the first time, I felt indeed seen. As I began my college search, I vowed never to return to an environment that invalidated my experiences.
On my first tour of Chapman, the “I Am Chapman” campaign in the Argyros Forum resonated with me. I wrote in my application about how the campaign celebrated each student’s unique purpose and promised the kind of resources for people of color that my high school had sorely lacked. After four years, it feels surreal to be part of that very campaign and share it with my family during Homecoming Weekend. Chapman has not only provided a safe space for me to be myself, but it has also empowered me to embrace my uniqueness and use it to contribute to a more inclusive community.
Now, as a fourth-year student, I see that promise come to life every day. The campus is thriving with diversity: nearly half of the incoming first-year students identify as students of color, and 19% are Hispanic or Latino. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent real students with stories drawn together by diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that create a true sense of belonging. Whether through heartfelt discussions in the Cross-Cultural Center, events coordinated by the Office of DEI, or tangible actions within the Schmid College of Science and Technology, where task forces address racial injustice and bias, Chapman is committed to building a supportive community.
What’s even more inspiring is that these initiatives do more than enrich our campus — they prepare us for a world as diverse and interconnected as our classrooms. Research from organizations like the American Council on Education shows that learning in a diverse environment pushes us to think more critically and creatively, equipping us for a global society that values inclusion over conformity.
I witness this transformation every day at Chapman. Diversity isn’t just a policy here; it’s a force that breathes life into our community, turning a painful past into a hopeful future. The diverse perspectives and experiences that students bring to our campus have the power to challenge and change the status quo, creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all. But while these efforts have transformed my experience and countless others, the future of DEI at Chapman is not guaranteed.
I’m calling on our administrators to commit fully to protecting and expanding these initiatives. It’s not enough to celebrate diversity when it’s convenient — real progress demands that we actively invest in programs that support every student. Our university’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has reshaped the educational landscape in a community that once struggled with segregation and exclusion. If we’re serious about creating a campus where every student can thrive and be celebrated for who they are, then it’s time for those in charge to stand behind these efforts and ensure they remain a top priority.
Photo by Bella Sandoval
This article and accompanying media were submitted by an independent student. If you are interested in having your work featured in The Panther, reach out to pantheropinions@chapman.edu.