written by: Monique James
The experiences of Black students at predominantly white institutions (PWI) are often grouped by simple narratives that are shaped by race, culture, identity and the spaces they navigate.
University of Maryland students described their experiences marked by belonging and moments of exclusion, even in the absence of overt racism.
“My experience at [the university] as a Black student has been more positive in the negative because there is a large Black community on campus,” said sophomore government politics major Nasia Chihiwai in a text message. “However, there are certain treatments towards Black students and organizations that are incomparable to white ones.”
Although Chihiwai’s experiences on campus have been more about ethics than race, sophomore public health practice major Jummy Kadiri has a different perspective.
Kadiri stated in a text message that she has not faced direct racism but has described moments of social exclusion, particularly in academic settings. During her freshman year, she remembered a time being dismissed by peers during group work in a math class.
“I would try to bring my ideas or any thoughts and get dismissed,” she said.
While balancing social exclusion, Kadiri is also navigating multiple identities as both Black and African, which at times have made her feel disconnected from different activities on campus.
“I feel I am not honoring certain parts of myself…or I don’t feel ‘up to par’ with others around me,” she said.
Kadiri recognizes these situations have contributed to her personal development, along with her improvement on campus. She emphasized, now in her second year, she has found a sense of belonging and community.
Despite both Kadiri and Chihiwai’s different experiences on campus, both acknowledged that while the university has made efforts to support Black students, more can be done.
Kadiri recognizes the work of the Black Student Union, praising its events and advocacy efforts, but said collaboration with other groups could strengthen its impact.
“There’s always room for more work,” she said.
A 60-page report released April 2025 by the NPHC Task Force, discusses how the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) chapters have faced inconsistent staffing, limiting programming, restricted access, equity and visibility and social justice support, according to the report.
Chihiwai raised similar concerns, one being the university’s lack of commitment to equity, pointing to what she perceives as inconsistent support organizations.
According to the report, NPHC chapters are held to the same requirements as the Panhellenic Association (PHA) and the Interfraternity Council (IFC) despite both consistently bringing in members between four to eight times higher than NPHC chapters each academic year.
These requirements restrict Black organizations from putting on events without limitations, lacking efforts to support Black students, according to the report.
As the University of Maryland continues to emphasize diversity and inclusion, experiences like those shared by Kadiri and Chihiwai illustrate the complexity of student life at a PWI, where growth, community and inequity can coexist.