GSAS Diversity Fellows Focus On BGLTQ, Representation Issues

The two new Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Diversity and Inclusion Fellows plan to provide better support for BGLTQ students and students from underrepresented backgrounds, the fellows wrote in emails to The Crimson.

New Fellows Andrew A. Westover and Xavier J. Du Maine began earlier this month, joining inaugural Fellow Alyssa M. Hernandez in the role. The school specifically charged one of the fellows with providing “stronger and better support” for BGLTQ students, according to Dean of Academic Programs and Diversity Sheila M. Thomas.

After creating the Fellowship last spring, the GSAS Office of Diversity and Minority Affairs decided to add a BGLTQ-focused fellow this year. After a year on the job, 2018 Fellows Alfredo M. Valencia — who stepped down at the end of 2018 — and Hernandez approached Thomas and requested more specialized help on BGLTQ matters.

“They came to us and said ‘You know what, it was a good start, but it would be great to have an additional fellow, and for that fellow to be solely focused on the LGBTQ community,’” Thomas said. “We heard the suggestion and found a way to get the funds for it.”

Westover, a Ph.D. candidate in Ethics and Education, has prioritized BGLTQ activism while at GSAS, serving as an organizer for several affinity groups. He also served on the Dean’s Advisory Committee for Equity and Diversity and the Implementation Working Group for the President’s Task Force for Inclusion and Belonging.

GSAS administrators decided to hire a BGLTQ-focused fellow after student group LGBTQ@GSAS sent messages to administrators and posted on social media last year, calling for more BGLTQ-oriented resources.

Westover said he anticipates his new position will allow him to begin addressing some of students’ past concerns.

“I share ODMA’s commitment to an intersectionally inclusive environment, one where all students can thrive and grow academically and personally,” Westover wrote.

“There is a real need for strong support for LGTBQ+ students. Diversity and inclusion are integral to the university's core functions,” Westover added.

While Westover plans to focus on supporting BGLTQ students, Du Maine wrote in an email that he hopes to begin addressing the struggles that students from underrepresented backgrounds face.

Du Maine wrote that he knew Harvard would be “academically challenging” and an “invigorating environment,” but did not expect the mental and emotional strain he experienced soon after arriving on campus as a Ph.D. candidate in Biological and Biomedical Sciences.

“In addition to all these challenges, underrepresented students have to face the hurdles of finding community and a sense of belonging at an institution where they are in the minority, and navigating environments where people don't always embrace or understand their identities,” Du Maine wrote.

At Harvard, Du Maine has been involved in a number of diversity and outreach groups aimed at supporting high school, college, and graduate students. He added that his experiences with these groups will inform his work as a fellow.

“First and foremost, I aim to listen. While I have a lot of ideas I want to get off the ground, I must first listen to students and affinity group leaders to know exactly what personal and systemic challenges they face,” Du Maine wrote.

Du Maine wrote that he plans to work to increase collaboration between student affinity groups at GSAS as well as increase the Office of Diversity and Minority Affairs’ student involvement, in an effort to “make sure no underrepresented student slips through the cracks.” He also plans to create programming to encourage students of all backgrounds to feel comfortable sharing their identities and cultures while learning to better integrate them into their future careers.

“In order for underrepresented students in GSAS to thrive, we not only need rigorous academic training but also a culture and environment that supports every aspect of who we are and celebrates the unique perspectives we bring to the table,” Du Maine wrote.

—Staff writer Luke A. Williams can be reached at luke.williams@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter @LukeAWilliams22.