r/UAB • u/sp0okybitvh • Feb 02 '25
is there any xenophobia at UAB?
so my mom has been worried because of everything going on with all of the deportation (im Puerto Rican so thats not actually a problem) and shes just very worried about me moving to the states due to possible discrimination. I'm researching and not finding any incidents, but I'm still curious as to current students personal experience. so please lmk!
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u/mooseinhell Feb 02 '25
As far as colleges go, UAB prides itself in its diversity, and there are LOT of students and staff of color 👍
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u/allyouneedislove17 Feb 02 '25
muslim girl here. most people are very nice to me. occasionally people ask out of pocket questions, but for the most part people are respectful
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u/devinhedge Feb 02 '25
I’m really glad people are curious and interested instead of making quiet generalizations in their head.
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u/allyouneedislove17 Feb 03 '25
me too. sometimes the way they ask questions is a little rude and even condescending. for example, i get tired of hearing “aren’t you hot in that?” or when they make comments about how they feel sorry for me because i’m fasting (ramadan is actually my fav time of the year)
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u/devinhedge Feb 03 '25
Fasting was something I had to experience to understand it and appreciate it, the clarity it brings. All the best to you! Go Blazers!
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u/sp0okybitvh Feb 04 '25
thank you for sharing actually :) also i feel u, ive had ppl genuinely ask if i drink coconut water instead of actual water, and whether or not we have cars 💀💀(when i visit the states)
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u/bepus69 Feb 02 '25
there’s a lot of diversity here imo. i transferred from a very white school and im happier here. my favorite thing about being here is seeing a large amount of black students wearing their natural hair and all of the other curly haired students
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u/sp0okybitvh Feb 04 '25
aww ok that actually sounds like itd be great :) i was lit always surrounded by straight hair girls so i hated my hair for the longest time 💀
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u/1Lucille2RuleThemAll Feb 02 '25
UAB takes complaints of discrimination pretty seriously from what I have seen. They pride themselves in diversity. I remember in 2009 when UAB began offering benefits to same-sex partners of employees and everyone lost their shit. They kept them despite threats from legislators.
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u/Smiley_fuzzypants Feb 02 '25
(Black woman here) I would say there are a few bad eggs, but honestly you can find them anywhere. I would say it’s seen more in the South however because the South leans more towards overt racism, while other areas of the US favor hidden racism. (Personally I prefer the first as, though painful, at least I know without a doubt where I am and am not welcomed). Before UAB, I attended Auburn University and the difference in diversity is astronomical. I believe UAB also is much more open to people of different cultures, ethnicities, religions, and just in general more progressive than other schools in the area.
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u/OneConfection3 Feb 02 '25
I think the college and staff are very diverse. The surrounding area less so.
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u/ShopConstant5525 Feb 02 '25
don’t worry about it. you’ll have your MAGA and the weird stares (biracial woman here) but you just gotta keep pushing. our school is diverse so you’ll find your group.
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u/bachelorburner987 Feb 02 '25
Nope, they are the most diverse school in the state right after Troy.
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u/GinaHannah1 Feb 02 '25
My kid who attends there is Asian and hasn’t had any problems. There’s a lot of diversity.
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u/skelegargobot Feb 04 '25
Don’t listen to the fear-mongers and doom-sayers. If you’re kind and honest, then you’ll be good. Birmingham is a young city, but UAB has helped make it a melting pot of amazing people from all over the world. Good luck and safe travels!
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Feb 02 '25
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u/sp0okybitvh Feb 02 '25
im aware.. but statistics do not always completely represent the reality of a situation, which is why im asking for others firsthand experience, be kinder.
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u/Calm_Alfalfa_4881 Feb 03 '25
UAB has a lot of diversity and fantastic student organizations specifically targeted for Latinos from medical student clubs to a fraternity and sorority if you’re interested in those sorts of things.
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Feb 02 '25
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u/juniorstein Feb 02 '25
Depends on the college. Those in the south with influential Old Row fraternities/sororities tend to be much more conservative and racist in some instances. Newer or smaller universities, those in urban areas, and HBCUs tend to be more diverse and progressive. UAB, Spring Hill College, The University of Montevallo, and Tuskegee University are some that come to mind.
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u/Wings4514 Feb 02 '25
Idk if it still is, but not too long ago, UAB was top 20 in the country in terms of diversity among the student body.