This past year, two interconnected social issues deeply shaped my awareness and advocacy: food insecurity on campus and the tightening regulations imposed on identity-based student organizations. Both speak to larger structural inequities that limit student's ability to participate fully and benefit from higher education.
Food insecurity is a growing concern that affects many of my peers, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. I’ve seen how it impacts academic performance, mental health, and a sense of belonging. Through involvement in the university's Bearcat Pantry, I began to learn more about the systemic causes behind this issue, from rising tuition and housing costs to inadequate university support systems. I participated in food pantry work, and this experience provided me with firsthand insight into how hidden this problem can be, even within a well-resourced university.
At the same time, I’ve been alarmed by the implementation of new university regulations that limit the autonomy and expression of identity-based organizations. These changes disproportionately affect cultural, religious, and LGBTQ+ groups, communities that often serve as a crucial safety net for students facing challenges like food insecurity. Witnessing these constraints has been frustrating and disheartening, especially as someone who values equity and community empowerment. I’ve attended forums, read policy statements, and spoken with fellow students and organizers to better understand the legal language and the broader implications.