Just over a year ago, the University of Utah launched an affinity organization, the Latinx Advisory Council, aimed at creating a greater sense of belonging for students, staff, and faculty of Latinx heritage.
The Latinx Advisory Council (LAC) partners in collaboration with university administration to advise the vice president for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion on critical issues related to the recruitment and retention of Latinx students, faculty, and staff. The council also supports efforts for continued growth and improving the ongoing climate of the Latinx community at the U.
For years, the lack of a “safe space” was a source of discontent among individuals of Latinx culture, said LAC Chairperson Ivette López, PhD, MPH, professor of public health at the University of Utah Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and director of the Utah Area Health Education Centers.
Dr. López highlighted the pressing need for a designated gathering space, emphasizing the importance of authentic visibility and representation. She noted that despite significant strides, Latinx individuals still encounter prejudice, even in simple acts like speaking in their native language. The establishment of such space is not merely symbolic, but a tangible commitment to fostering representation and addressing unique needs of the Latinx community.
“It has to be something that people can say, they made room for us because we belong,” she added. “That’s evidence they’re committed to us and an acknowledgement there needs to be a space for us.”
The council also actively helps to inform the U’s leadership on the climate of the campus Latinx community, serving as a resource for the advocacy of diversity initiatives that can lead to an increase of Latinx faculty, staff, students, and administrators at the university. The council also promotes and reviews the division’s goals in coordination with the university mission and initiatives.
In addition to a gathering space for the university’s Latinx community, the council is also prioritizing the development of a strategic plan to enhance recruitment and retention of students, staff, and faculty. López acknowledges the University of Utah’s excellence as an institution but underscores the importance of attracting more Latinx talent to further enrich its diversity. The third priority under consideration is enhancing communication between leadership with the Latinx community on campus.
Dr. López emphasizes the importance of expressing value and appreciation for Latinx individuals, fostering a culture of dialogue and inclusion.
The Latinx Advisory Council stands as a beacon of progress and inclusivity, actively shaping a more diverse and equitable future for the University of Utah. For more information, please visit Latinx Advisory Council website or contact Dr. Ivette López.
We apologize for a typo in our previous headline. It should have been “Latinx,” not “Latin.”
