There was a time when the question was asked, particularly of students in schools like ours, "Why do all the black kids sit together in the dining hall?" That question could have probably been outfitted to speak to many different races/cultural backgrounds. Arguably, it could have been expanded to "why do all the blacks and Latinos sit together...?" Well, the answer has always been obvious and (in my opinion) justifiable.
Private/independent schools have been around a long time. Many in the east have much longer histories than any public school. My school's almost 243 year old history, makes it older than the country itself, let alone any school in my state, save one. Yet, the enrollment of students of color has a much shorter history. 50-60 years at best, in many cases. So, when put into an unfamiliar setting, people (regardless of color) largely tend to seek out those who share things in common with them. Birds of a feather flock together. William Turner was correct in 1545 and his words have been used as an idiom that will ring true forever.
Not unlike our students, who still seek each other out in our halls for support, a sympathetic ear, an empathetic partner and just to know they are not alone; Black and Latino admission professionals haven't been a part of "the establishment" for very long. So, not unlike those blacks attending independent schools, I walk into Private/independent school fairs, conferences, workshops, etc. looking for those I can connect with. While I am an adult and have formed personal and professional friendships with many different types of people, I most often form bonds with those of similar backgrounds. Right or wrong, my conversations are usually more honest and open, knowing that those like me will have had similar experiences. Sharing stories or laughing about things that can only be appreciated by someone who shares a cultural bond. And, more importantly, we feel safe sharing these things with each other. That we won't be judged. That we wont get the avalanche of guilt: "oh, I'm sorry you feel that way" or "I can't believe you still have to deal with that" or worse "I know so many admission professionals of color and would never treat them that way." I'd prefer not to worry about offending someone else when I'm sharing.
Four years ago, recognized a need for this "safe space." I was so excited about the idea of a group where other admission professionals of color could build their networks, share stories and ideas. Laugh and complain and vent. All without the fear of being judged. Believing that what happened and was said in that space, would stay there. The formation of this group was for that reason alone. And it was very well received in the black and Latino admission community within AISAP. Then, in no small way because of the name attached to the group, people started to get offended. "There are other professionals of color besides Black and Latino." Yes, there are and they deserve a safe space too, but this one was created for blacks and Latinos. "Why Blacks and Latinos, they are different races and cultures" Again, yes, they are. But there are also large similarities in the paths we've followed. Most of our journeys have had similar challenges. Both cultures understand the idea of "coming from where I'm from" and "ghetto life" (no,that is not to imply we were all raised poor, in the inner city).
So there is a discussion underway to change the name. There are other Admission Professionals of Color, and they should feel free to form affinity groups where they can also have a safe space, a judgement free zone. Affinity groups can feel exclusive. That, my friends and colleagues, is because they are. Affinity groups can represent a narrow or broad definition of a dimension of diversity: African ancestry or Black, Asian, GLTB, Hispanic/Latino, People with Disabilities, Veterans, and Women; the list goes on. This one, was formed to meet a need, a need expressed by the members of two communities within AISAP. We appreciate that and enjoy the space. It was not created to make anyone feel excluded. I can't wait until the next AISAP Institute in San Juan Capistrano. I am looking forward to the next gathering, where I can laugh and vent with my colleagues from Black and Latino backgrounds. Where I can network and build relationships that will make me a better professional and help my school and my families. Where I will feel like everyone understands "where I'm coming from" at a deeper level than just being “admission folks,” though I enjoy that too! I hope we all find that space for ourselves, no matter what our race or culture.