Julianne Chiu felt the spotlight directed on her while her communications in film class analyzed the role of Asian-American actresses in the media. She recalled feeling singled out for being the only minority student present as one of the many incidents she experienced at the University.

“People looked at me because of what my race is,” said Chiu, junior in Communications and president of Together Encouraging the Appreciation of Multiculturalism.

As the president of the organization, she said she considers herself as an “engaged student leader” because she has had the opportunity to communicate with a variety of people from multiple races.

In doing so, she has also obtained the ability to voice her opinions and articulate her concerns regarding any social issues prevalent on campus.

“I have a lot of privilege in that manner,” Chiu said. “I don’t think I’d be as capable of expressing myself if I was just an average student.”

However, not many minority students at the University can consider themselves as lucky.

According to a research study published by University of Michigan graduate students, the differences of opinions on college campuses are not as diverse as one might believe. College students, specifically minority students, tend to refrain from participating in classroom discussions or open dialogue.

Adele Lozano, assistant dean and director of La Casa Cultural Latina, speculated on reasons a minority student would not be willing to openly share opinions in discussions. In her observations, Lozano said University students can be proactive depending on the situation. The race forum hosted by Students Transforming Oppression and Privilege (STOP) was a channel for students to speak their minds and become self-empowered, she added.

“The (STOP forum) was fairly open because participation was encouraged,” said Shawn Lampkins-uThando, graduate student in LAS and spokesperson for the organization. “Until the forum, there really was no systematic incorporation of voicing students’ voices.”

Lozano feels that minority students in a classroom setting may be another story.

“It’s obviously a lot more difficult for students of color in class,” Lozano said. “You don’t want to be expected to speak for an entire race.”

Jazmine Romero, a Latina freshman in LAS, said she can relate to why some minority students may feel insecure in a classroom at a predominantly white institution.

“You really can’t voice your opinions,” Romero said. “When there is a large number of white students (in a classroom), it just feels intimidating. I think that’s why we have ethnic diversity classes.”

Although Romero has yet to speak up and voice her own opinions, she said non-Western classes are significant because minority students have the chance to share their views in classes without feeling ashamed of being a minority. Such classes, including Afro-American Studies, Asian American Studies and Latina/Latino Studies, serve to help the majority learn about various cultures and counter stereotypes, Romero added.

Minority students have been targeted in a number of events on campus based on stereotypical perceptions.

But even though the notorious “Tacos and Tequila” event provoked anger, it also helped students speak their minds in opposition to stereotypes.

Lozano said the Greek exchange where students negatively portrayed stereotypical Latino/a migrant workers and illegal immigrants brought minority students and Greek members together to voice their opinions.

When Romero heard of the “Tacos and Tequila” event, she said she felt enraged at the ignorance among college students.

“Those were very harsh stereotypes,” Romero said. “These people need to be educated about what a Latina or an Asian or an African American is and not let stereotypes rule their lives.”

David Chih, assistant dean of students and director of the Asian American Cultural Center, said that the cultural centers on campus unite in one purpose, which is to provide resources so that a variety of perspectives can be cared for and discussed. Cultural centers are spaces for students to interact and learn about cultures regardless of race or ethnicity, he added.

“These are really bright students, but they might withhold what they want to say,” Lozano said. “I think it needs to be said. I think other students need to hear why other students are angry.”

Lampkins-uThando said students may refrain from vocalizing their thoughts due to social repercussions and pressures.

“There is a degree of fear,” Lampkins-uThando said. “It’s more convenient to not say much and suffer through it quietly.”

Lozano said students will be able to learn and grow from listening to each other once they step out of their comfort zone, she added.

“At a university, you should expect students to think critically about issues,” Lozano said. “That’s what college is about.”

Chiu said she understands why students feel nervous about vocalizing their views, especially in a classroom, but everyone has the ability to speak. Opinions have the power to change other people’s opinions when voiced correctly, she added.

“I urge students to speak out even if it’s difficult because they’ll be rewarded personally for speaking their minds no matter what their opinion is,” Chih said. “It’s important for them to be heard.”