Latinx college students at Berkeley and across academia are advocating for institutions to recognize Latinidad as an academic discipline. Dr. Mora, a tenured professor of sociology at UC Berkeley, shared her experiences as a Latina in higher education and the importance of representation for Latinx students.
Despite the significant Latino population in California, only 19% of Berkeley undergraduate students are Latino. The university aims to increase this to 25% by 2027. However, Latinx faculty members make up only 7% of Berkeley’s core faculty, leading to a lack of representation in academic disciplines.
Dr. Mora emphasized the importance of offering majors centered on the Latinx experience in colleges and universities. She co-authored a report that found only 4% of institutions in the U.S. offer such majors, highlighting the need for more diverse and inclusive academic programs.
In the Bay Area, schools like San Francisco State University and San Jose State University have established robust Chicano and Latino studies programs, while more prestigious institutions like Berkeley and Stanford have been slower to do so. Dr. Mora believes that understanding the social dynamics of different communities is essential for all fields of study, not just those directly related to Latinx experiences.
As a Latina professor, Dr. Mora serves as a mentor and advocate for Latinx students, offering guidance and support to those who seek her out. She is committed to changing the landscape of higher education to ensure that future generations of Latinx students feel welcomed and represented.
Dr. Mora’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in academia serves as an inspiration for both Latino and non-Latino students and faculty. Despite the challenges of revamping established institutions, she remains determined to push for change and create a more inclusive educational environment for all.