New BSU President Believes in Building Community

New BSU President Believes in Building Community

BSU RJ

The University of San Diego’s campus beauty and signature great weather certainly played major roles in Robriana Johnson’s decision to relocate from Northern California in 2013 to attend college.

She came to USD after graduating from Valley Christian High School in San Jose, a small private school whose student population, she said, had a small minority population. The University of San Diego, a private Roman Catholic institution, appealed to her because of her faith, and she liked what it offered academically. However, as an African-American, she again was part of a small student population.

Johnson, a third-year biochemistry major and the new USD Black Student Union (BSU) president, is firmly in favor of having a more diverse and inclusive campus community at USD. Being a change agent in terms of wanting to have greater representation is something she hopes to keep seeing.

“Since I’ve been here freshman year, I’ve seen an increase in the number of black students on campus who aren’t just part of a sports team, more of whom are here for academics, but I still feel there needs to be more minorities on campus. I’d like to see that in the future. I do think that the demands (last fall) pinpointed some things that need to change,” she said.

A list of demands was submitted by a group of USD students known as the Intersectional Council during a USD faculty panel discussion on inclusion and diversity. The list, which was devised in support of events that unfolded at the University of Missouri last fall and was part of a greater awareness and dialogue opportunity on many campuses nationally, including USD, focused on several points. Among the demands at USD were improved representation of faculty of color and increased inclusive support for minority students.

“I feel the demands from last semester helped raise a lot of awareness,” Johnson said.

Support, Commitment to Action

First-year USD President James T. Harris responded to the demands both through campus-wide emails and meetings with student leaders. Through both avenues, his message was clear.

In an excerpt from a November 2015 email, Harris stated, “Our mission statement compels us to honor our commitment to a diverse and inclusive community with action. We must continue to discover the best ways to demonstrate that commitment in the everyday life of the university. That is exactly what our students are inviting us to do, and I encourage all members of our campus community to participate in ongoing dialogue and a call to action on issues of exclusion and inequality.”

Earlier this month, Harris re-emphasized the importance of an inclusive and diverse community as he continues to form the strategic initiatives that will guide the university’s future.

“Building and fostering a diverse and inclusive community of scholarship, teaching, learning and service at the University of San Diego is rooted in our identity and character as a Catholic university. We recognize the dignity of every member of our community. We welcome and treasure all and seek to build a culture of care and inclusivity daily on our campus. Our commitment to continue to find ways to accomplish our goals is rooted in the Christian tradition that calls us all to love one another.”

Building a Strong Community

Johnson is on board with Harris’ thoughts to help build a strong USD community. Her rise to the top BSU leadership role happened quickly, and she is excited to be among a group of young and dedicated students who comprise the current board.

Starting off the spring semester right before February has made for a busy time for the BSU. February is Black History Month. Working with the Black Student Resource Center (BSRC), Torero Program Board and having support from other campus organizations, departments and allies, several events are taking place. Some specifically encourage inclusive discussion, a few promote fun and new experiences, but everything is designed to build a stronger, more united Torero community.

Key events remaining this month are a Pan-African Dinner on Feb. 17; a #WhatsTrending discussion on Feb. 18 during dead hours (in the Student Life Pavilion, Room 418); a Feb. 19 local movie theater group viewing to see the new movie, “Race,” which focuses on Olympian Jesse Owens; a daytime study abroad information session Feb. 23 and a Lip Sync Battle that same night. On Feb. 25 there will be a lunch and learn event, the State of the Black Community, from 12-2 p.m. in the Hahn University Center, Room 113. BSU's weekly meeting is 7 p.m. on Mondays in UC 113.

“We’re really trying to build community, Johnson said. “I hope we have a big, diverse audience for the (State of the Black Community) outcomes event. We’re trying to build alliances with everyone. We want to raise awareness. We want to do something about it. Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings and events.”

— Ryan T. Blystone