Zoe & Matt - Diversity & Inclusion

We deeply understand that the need to stand up for diversity & inclusion and for freedom of speech and protest is important now more than ever. We know actions by the presidential administration is making students feel isolated and fearful. We recognize this and will do everything in our power to support students whose needs are especially important now. We will establish strong relationships with identity-based and advocacy organizations and work for resources to protect all students. We respect all the various aspects of diversity, because no matter who you are, where you're from, whom you love or worship, or the life experiences you've had, you deserve to feel welcome at William & Mary.

In past work, we spearheaded the Lavender House, a special-interest housing community for LGBTQ+ students, and organized the first three LGBTQ+ roommate search events. We helped organize the first annual Art & Hatsuye Ball celebrating William & Mary's Asian Pacific Islander community. We provided funding and helped set up the second Queer and Trans People of Color formal. We revived Student Assembly's partnership with WMFIRE, working to get resource cards to help students with special immigration status and their allies. We also worked to organize a first-generation/limited income career panel.

Our Policies

Stand Against Attacks on Diversity Initiatives

The national political atmosphere has put DEI on the chopping block, and college campuses are ground zero. We will be proactive and assertive in holding our ground, standing against attacks and making it known that students want and need DEI programs.

Make the Org Funding Committee More Diverse

Multicultural organizations rely in part on the Organization Budget Allocation Committee to host events celebrating identity. We will make sure OBAC is comprised of students with diverse experiences so decisions are fair.

Protect Free Speech and the Right to Protest

The freedom of expression is the bedrock of higher education. William & Mary should be where new ideas are presented and old ones are challenged. Students should feel safe speaking their mind and taking stances on issues that matter to you. There have been issues from Administration in the past and we know that these freedoms are being attacked at other institutions. We promise to push back and ensure your rights are upheld.

Support Students with Special Immigration Statuses

The current federal government has targeted the livelihoods of people with special immigration statuses. We will respond in any ways we can. We'll collaborate with William & Mary Fighting for Immigrant Rights and Equity (W&M FIRE), help create multilingual student immigration resources and graphics, and support W&M FIRE's trainings to inform students how to handle Immigration and Customs Enforcement encounters

Work With Student Advocacy Orgs

So many student organizations are doing amazing work, much of which align with our values and platform goals. We believe strength comes in numbers and coordination; when we work together, we're more likely to achieve results. Whether it is WMFIRE, the Student Accessibility and Disability Alliance, or the Student Environmental Action Coalition, we will be a partner to students trying to build a better William & Mary.

Support LGBTQ+ Students

LGBTQ+ students, and especially trans students, face unique struggles and need to see more support from the school. We want to help the Lambda Alliance rebuild itself and create a welcoming space for the queer community. We will also make sure the trans locker in Sadler is known and utilized. We will never stop listening to the concerns of queer and trans students.

More Halal Options in Dining Halls

Muslim students on campus have only one option for halal food, which is the chicken breast. The current dining options are not meeting the needs of students who follow halal dietary guidelines. More Halal options for Muslim students include chicken nuggets, tenders or beef options for pepperoni and hot dogs. We will work with the Director of Operations for Dining Services to expand halal dining options and advocate for more supervision and awareness for cross contamination with pork products as well as transparency in labeling food.

First-Gen Specific Orientation

Coming to college for the first time is a scary adjustment for anyone. It's especially difficult for first-generation students who've had little to no exposure to how college works. We will work to provide special resources for first-generation students so they feel included and respected in the school community.

Heritage Month Recognition

Standing for diversity & inclusion means recognizing heritage months in student body emails and on Student Assembly's Instagram. We are committed to recognizing and celebrating diversity at W&M.