In a time where diversity is often spoken about but rarely fully understood, one class is quietly changing the way students see the world and themselves.
At Siena University , the Race and Identities course is not just another elective. It is a discussion-based, eye-opening experience led by Professors Tamara McCallum and Lisa Nevarez, who create a space where students are encouraged to think critically, speak honestly, and confront topics many classrooms avoid.
This is not a typical class.
Students in this course engage in conversations about race, identity, color blindness, privilege, and systemic inequality—topics that can feel uncomfortable, but are necessary for growth. Rather than avoiding these discussions, the class leans into them, helping students better understand what it truly means to be aware, informed, and an ally.
Through readings such as Beverly Daniel Tatum’s work, students are challenged to reflect on their own identities while also learning about the experiences of others. These are not just academic lessons—they are life lessons. Books like these are not meant for one group of people; they are meant for everyone, regardless of background or identity.
What makes this class especially powerful is the environment created by its professors. Professor McCallum, one of the few Black professors on campus, brings perspective, experience, and representation that many students rarely encounter in their academic journey. Her presence alone challenges assumptions and highlights an important reality: diversity should not be rare in higher education.
Representation matters not just in what is taught, but in who is teaching.
For many students, this course is the first time they feel truly seen, heard, and understood in an academic setting. It pushes students beyond surface-level understanding and encourages them to question, reflect, and grow. It also raises an important question for the institution itself: if diversity is something we value, where is it in our classrooms, our faculty, and our daily experiences?
As conversations about curriculum changes continue, courses like Race and Identities should not be placed “on the chopping block.” Instead, they should be protected, supported, and even required. This is not just a class, it is an opportunity for students to become more informed, empathetic, and socially aware individuals.
Education is not only about memorizing information; it is about understanding the world we live in and the people around us.
The Race and Identities course does exactly that.
And perhaps the real question is not whether this class should continue—but why every student isn’t already taking it.