The cultural diversification of colleges and universities which initially targeted the needs of a specific minoritized group raises questions concerning the inclusion of every individual and the maintenance of the advances which have been made for the original population. This paper provides insight into the challenges and merits at the intersection of linguistic and racial/ethnic diversification within CUNY's Medgar Evers College. Historically tied to the Black Campus Movement, the college is committed to being an agent of social transformation for the surrounding community. Aiming to understand the perspectives on language and diversity of the key stakeholders at the college, a number of semi-structured interviews were conducted. In terms of linguistic diversity, we found that there is tension between the adherence to the belief in an idealized 'Standard English', and the acknowledgement and support of linguistic variation. Regarding the college's racial and ethnic climate, a perception of exclusion among non-black students of color became evident. Existing concepts as well as promising attitudes and practices among participants indicate some ways that could encourage all students to move from the margins to the center. We suggest that educators, administrators and staff at Medgar Evers should encourage dialogue and cooperation between linguistically and ethnically diverse students, both in and outside the classroom. At the same time the safe and empowering space for black students should remain intact. We also claim that further theorization of the diversification of predominantly non-white institutions is needed. Resumen La diversificación cultural de universidades dirigidas en sus orígenes a las necesidades de una minoría provoca preguntas acerca de la inclusión de cada individuo mientras que se mantengan los avances logrados para la población original. Este artículo investiga la intersección de la diversificación lingüística y racial en Medgar Evers College de la Universidad de la Ciudad de Nueva York (CUNY). Históricamente conectado al Black Campus Movement, la institución está comprometida con ser un agente de la transformación social en la comunidad de Brooklyn. Para comprender las diferentes perspectivas sobre lengua y diversidad, entrevistamos a algunos representantes de los principales grupos de la universidad. Acerca de la diversificación lingüística se mostró una tensión entre la convicción de que existe un inglés normativo o 'ideal' y el reconocimiento de la variación lingüística. Con respecto al clima racial y étnico, se manifestó una percepción de exclusión entre estudiantes de color que no se identificaban como negros. Conceptos existentes así como las buenas actitudes y prácticas entre los participantes prometen caminos que podrían apoyar a todos. Sugerimos que educadores, administradores y empleados en Medgar Evers deben fomentar el diálogo entre estudiantes diversos, tanto en las aulas como fuera de ellas. Al mismo tiempo, se debe mantener el espacio seguro y la atmósfera de empodera...
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