Student-led organization, UMAS y MECHA, amplifies Latino voices on CU Boulder’s campus

 In the majority of instances, the number of Mexican-American students in a classroom at CU can be counted on a single hand. CU Boulder’s lack of diversity has been a recurring subject of conversation in recent years, and United Mexican-American Students and Mecha (UMAS y MECHA), a student-led group on campus, is advocating for the concentrated minority population. 

As of 2021, the CU Diversity Report disclosed that 29 percent of the students enrolled in the university were people of color — a nine percentage point increase in enrollment since 2012. CU‘s administration adopted a plan called IDEA in 2019, and its aim was to foster diversity and inclusivity at the school. Within the plan, the university claimed to prioritize inclusion of minority populations.

“Although the number of Latinx students has increased, they are still underrepresented, as are other racial and ethnic groups for which there has been minimal growth…To achieve inclusive excellence, much work must be done. The usual logic of recruit and retain must be reversed; more attention should be paid to the relationship with the individual and the institution after they have arrived,” the plan states.

Andrew Sorensen, a spokesperson with CU’s Strategic Media Relations team, said the school has made efforts over the years to attract and retain a more diverse student body.

According to Sorensen, CU’s efforts have included engaging in outreach at high schools in underserved communities, and supporting legislation that could make higher education more accessible for some students, and offering programs to support first-generation and low-income students.

“These programs help incoming and continuing students thrive and succeed at CU Boulder, including students of color,” Sorensen wrote in an email. “Some of the programs are in learning communities focused on inclusivity and student success and provide scholarships, academic enrichment and shared peer experiences.”

Nonetheless, UMAS y MECHA aims to foster a welcoming community for those Latino students who are concerned about a lack of diversity on campus. 

“I really love my culture and being around other people that are part of the same culture makes my college experience way better,” said Luis Martinez, a member of UMAS. 

Martinez joined the club during his freshman year at CU because he longed for a sense of community—a common sentiment among members of UMAS. The club hosts weekly meetings and gives its members a platform where their voices can be heard. It is a home away from home for some Latino students. 

UMAS treasurer Charlie Candela Arellanes acts as the bridge between the university and the club. He voices members’ concerns and financial needs while nurturing a relationship with the Center for Student Involvement. For Candela and other members, UMAS has been a shoulder to lean on as they continue their educational journey. 

Candela said the responsibilities he and other Latino students take on can feel overwhelming. 

“The POC population is very concentrated,” Candela said, referring to Latino students’ tendencies to stick together. “We’re not just students. Some of us provide for our families, and some of us take care of our siblings. The school doesn’t realize we’re not just students.” 

Currently, UMAS y MECHA is working on planning its annual Dia de Los Muertos event in November, in collaboration with the Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity, a multicultural Greek organization on campus. Additionally, the UMAS Nationals are occurring during the spring semester, an event that unites Latinos from across the country in one event, and preparation is underway. The club’s importance doesn’t go unnoticed, particularly by the POC population. 

Candela said he believes the club has a powerful purpose. “We create unity within CU Boulder. When we stand united as people we become an unstoppable force,” said Candela.