Racial Minority Resources
Any abuse or prejudice towards another because of nationality, race, sexual orientation, gender, educational degrees, culture or other significant identifiers is offensive to our Maker.
On Campus Resources
GENERAL
Office of Belonging
The Office of Belonging can help racial minority students get involved with focus groups, panel presentations, research projects, and student councils.
Discrimination & Reconciliation
Any individuals or groups who do not treat our racial minority students with respect and charity violate the values of the university and the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you have experienced or witnessed any form of discrimination on BYU campus or involving a BYU student or employee, make a report here:
https://belonging.byu.edu/discrimination-policy
Multicultural Student Services
The Multicultural Student Services serve American minority students and the BYU community by offering a variety of services. These include academic and personal advisement, assistance with cultural, social, and financial needs, opportunities for leadership and development, inclusive cultural events, tracking of students' academic progress, and sponsorship of the college preparation program.
https://multicultural.byu.edu/
International Student Association
The goals of the International Student Association include: representing the collective interests of international students, aiding in the transition to BYU, organizing cultural activities, providing fellowship among students and faculty, and promoting the value of diverse backgrounds.
BYU Committee on Race, Equity, and Belonging
The BYU Committee on Race, Equity & Belonging was deeply committed to realizing the recent call to action and reflecting the united declaration of leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the NAACP that educational institutions “review processes, [policies], and organizational attitudes regarding racism and root them out.” Read more about what they did here.
BYU Speeches
On the BYU Speeches website, you can search devotionals, forums, and other addresses by topic, including “faith,” “charity,” “loneliness,” “divine nature,” and many others. BYU Speeches has a topic page specifically for race and ethnicity related speeches.
https://speeches.byu.edu/topics/race/
CAPS AND SUPPORT
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
The university recognizes the detrimental impact of microaggressions, prejudice, oppression, and race-related trauma on the mental health of individuals. To support marginalized students, a safe and cost-free environment is provided, offering crisis sessions, individual therapy, and group therapy specifically for Black students. Online support is also available through platforms such as Sanvello, Welltrack Boost, and SilverCloud.
To schedule an appointment, please visit https://caps.byu.edu/get-started
For an After-hours crisis, please call 801.422.3035
CAPS & Black Lives Matter: A response to recent events
https://caps.byu.edu/black-lives-matter-response-to-recent-events]
Racial Trauma and Empowerment Therapy Group
For students of color at predominantly white institutions, the stress and trauma resulting from witnessing violence against BIPOC in the U.S. can be overwhelming. Joining group therapy sessions provides an opportunity to enhance awareness of the impact of racial stress on mental health, share experiences with empathetic peers, and acquire strategies for empowerment. Zoom-based sessions take place every Tuesday from 2-3:30pm. To enroll, please reach out to your current therapist or contact CAPS at (801) 422-3035.
https://cfac.byu.edu/student-resources-race-equity
Multicultural/BIPOC Student Support Group
Join a therapy group for Multicultural and BiPOC Student Group in Utah County. This space allows students of color to discuss their experiences and find support. It aims to equip students with a support system at BYU to help them process their experiences, and provide them with coping skills for dealing with triggers or racist encounters. It takes place Mondays at 6 pm at 1190 E 900 N Provo, UT.
For more information/sign up:
- Visit their blog: https://comprehensiveclinic.byu.edu/blog
- Call 801-422-7759
MAJORS/MINORS, COURSES, & PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS
David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies
The Kennedy Center is home to many clubs, programs, and organizations that support and implement interdisciplinary international experiences on campus and abroad. The Kennedy Center raises global awareness and competency, and equips the community with international perspectives and tools to promote intellectual, physical, and spiritual well-being throughout the world. Visit this link to learn more about what is available through the Kennedy Center.
FHSS Student Research Academy
If you’re a BYU junior or senior in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences and a racial minority in graduate school (e.g., low income, first generation), you can apply to the FHSS Student Research Academy! This is a great opportunity to work with a faculty member who is interested in building a mentoring relationship with you as you participate in their research project. You will meet regularly with other Academy students for additional support in preparation for a career and graduate school.
https://socialsciences.byu.edu/student-research-academy
International Student and Scholar Services
ISSS aims to provide comprehensive advisement to non-US Citizen students and scholars, helping them achieve their educational and professional goals. BYU International Student and Scholar Services offer personal, cultural, and academic guidance, along with regulatory support, to ensure an enriching and successful BYU experience.
https://iss.byu.edu/prospective-student-news
BYU Dreamers
The BYU Undocumented Student Support Services team, consisting of staff from various departments, aims to make all individuals feel valued in the BYU community, regardless of legal status.
MAJORS/MINORS
BYU offers a diverse array of majors and minors that center on or intersect with the experience of racial minorities. If you are interested in exploring these opportunities, here are a few examples of the majors and minors you can declare. For a comprehensive list of available majors and minors along with detailed information about each program, please visit the official BYU catalog.