Cal Poly unveiled the results of its campus climate survey Thursday. This comes as the university enters into its second phase of an ongoing diversity and inclusion initiative which began earlier this year.
"As we discuss some of the findings today, some of them are going to be very disturbing to you even as they validate some of your experiences," said Dr. Katrina Wade-Golde, social scientist.
Despite the results of the Cal Poly Experience survey not being ideal for the school, Cal Poly leaders say this is a wake up call and that more needs to be done so that everyone feels valued and welcomed on campus.
Overall, those at Cal Poly viewed their experiences more friendly than hostile; however, there were a few select groups that had more negative experiences.
Compared to white students, African American students were 5.5 times more likely to report being discriminated against. Latino students were 4.3 times more likely and Asian Americans came in at about 2.4 times more likely.
These results are being released only days after a photo was posted to social media of some people, believed to be students, appearing to demean undocumented immigrants.
"Something that was a joke to some was and is a racial slur and an act of racism for others, so let me be clear, every Mustang belongs at Cal Poly. Actions and behaviors that demean others have no place on our campus," said Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong.
Diversity, equity and inclusion expert Dr. Damon Williams says these types of situations are always going to happen, but it is how they are dealt with that matters.
Cal Poly says the next step is to hold conversations around campus in the coming months to educate everyone on the findings of this survey.