Clear Vision Through the Intersectional Lens

By Sam Rios

Cover Photo By Geralt on Pixabay

Infographic By Sam Rios

Law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term “intersectionality” in her 1989 paper, “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics.”

The inadequacies of the law regarding gender and race compelled Crenshaw to analyze anti-discrimination issues. Crenshaw saw that the law acknowledged the discrimination of gender and race separately. She focused on cases where the law acknowledged discrimination against African Americans and women. However, the law was blind in regard to discrimination against African American women.

Crenshaw saw the necessity to look at where aspects of an identity intercept. Hence the term “intersectionality.” The initial application of intersectionality was regarding law, but it can be applied in many diverse circumstances.

The Toilet Has No Gender

By Noah Andrews

Cover Photo By Tim Mossholder on Pexels

The construction of Chico State’s new Sciences Building leaves little doubt about the University’s desire to guide itself into the forefront of the 21st century. High-tech laboratories and top-of-the-line scientific equipment are but a few of the ways Chico State’s newest building rivals those of California’s elite schools. However, despite these fancy facilities, arguably the most impressive addition to this state-of-the-art building is the gender-inclusive bathrooms that can be found on the second and third floors.

The need to use the restroom spans all identities, yet, public bathrooms throughout the past 200 years have almost entirely been segregated based on one condition, binary gender. The reason for this separation started at the turn of the 19th century when the “Separate Spheres” ideology saw its peak. The British Library explains this ideology as the definition of the ‘natural’ characteristics of women and men. Separate Spheres regards women as physically weaker yet morally superior to men. This ideology asserted that women needed to exist solely within the domestic sphere. This belief of women being unable to handle the “harshness” of the normal public and needing their own homely spaces when outside of their houses soon became the popular belief of the time. Thus, states began to pass laws which provided women with these spaces and included the establishment of separate bathrooms based on gender.

It’s hard to believe that a practice that started as a Victorian-era repression tactic that aimed to keep women subjugated as the weaker sex has continued on into the 21st century. It’s even harder to believe that this practice has continued on at the expense of outgroups, such as transgender and non-binary individuals.

“They will go off campus to find a place, and that then moves people away from campus or makes them uncomfortable while they’re here.” Hassenzahl is also a major member of the new building’s design committee. “Our goal is that we don’t want anything to distract from their learning,” he said. “They’re here to learn.”

Hassenzahl and his team’s commitment toward equitable access to facilities wasn’t just a guiding principle in the construction of the bathrooms—it was a guiding principle in the construction of the entire building.

“Our philosophy with this building is that we want students to want to come here, want to stay here, feel like they belong here,” Hassenzahl said, “Regardless of what their backgrounds are, regardless of where they come from. Everything about this building was designed to draw people in. … It’ll just be a very accessible building. We built it with maximizing student success in mind.”

Chico State has long shown its commitment to the provision of safe and accessible spaces for its students. In fact, gender-inclusive restrooms can be found in just about every building on its campus. So why are these new ones so important? They are the first non-retrofitted bathrooms of their kind on campus. This means that they weren’t just old binary bathrooms that the University reconstructed to become gender-inclusive—they were intended to be that way from the start. They are also the first multi-stall restrooms of their kind on campus, while all the previous gender-inclusive restrooms were single-stall installations. They represent a shift in the University’s way of thinking—a shift that focuses on prioritizing inclusivity and keeping outgroups involved in decisions that they used to only be an afterthought in.

“We really worked hard to build a team of representatives from all over campus… so these [gender-inclusive bathrooms] were more so just a natural extension of the model we used to assemble our team.”

Chico State wants to redefine the societal norm of gender-separated bathrooms so all of its students can simply focus on learning. As impressive as the new Science Building is sure to be technology-wise, this fact alone shows that the University is a role model that other CSUs and universities across the state should follow. Because, at the end of the day, does it really matter who is in the stall next to you?

Finding Your Path

By Anthony Mendoza

Cover Photo by Keith Luke on Unsplash

Article Photos by Anthony Mendoza

Life works in mysterious ways regarding whether or not you have the right idea of your path. Everyone is bound to find their true calling at some point in their lives. For Pencheng Xiong, Sydney Angel, and Cheryl Watson their path in life was determined while at Chico State. Their involvement in student organizations and dedication to their academics has opened many possibilities.

Pengcheng Xiong, Compassionate Educator

Pengcheng Xiong found a passion for teaching and giving back to his community while at University of California Merced, where he spent three years as an undergraduate in the engineering program. Xiong soon discovered his calling wasn’t in engineering but in teaching and mentoring others. Xiong received an opportunity to work at UC Merced, developing educational programs for students that sparked his interest in teaching and eventually moved him to Chico State.

“Chico [State] has a good teaching program and it's affordable. Since then a lot of good stuff has happened, so I don’t regret my decision,” Xiong said of changing majors and transferring to Chico State.

Chico State offered opportunities and experiences that aided Xiong on his new career path. He landed a job as a mentor for Upward Bound, a summer mentorship program for high school students that provides support and preparation before college.

“There’s a lot of good opportunities here,” Xiong said. “When I first transferred, it was easy to find a job tutoring high school students through Upward Bound.”

Aside from job opportunities, Xiong found other interests on campus that developed his networking and leadership skills. He is the current president of the Hmong Student Association on campus. As president, his main responsibility is to promote diversity and awareness of traditions in the Hmong culture. He leads by example and has developed multiple leadership opportunities for his officers. He also provides guidance when needed.

“Being involved in the Hmong Student Association, I’ve been working on developing more opportunities for involvement in the community,” Xiong said. “Making people feel safer and connected to the school and have the opportunity to grow and gain experience.”

Xiong studied abroad this past summer in Thailand, which opened many possibilities for him to venture out and explore his heritage. Xiong explored Hmong villages and saw the reality of living in a third world country. He was touched by the stories and hardships that those students face, which directed him toward a career as a teacher.

Xiong has an innate curiosity for education, mentorship, and traveling because it’s given him a platform to educate others. After graduation, he plans to go back to Thailand to educate underprivileged students to share experiences and inspirations from his life.

Sydney Angel, Aspiring Doctor

Sydney Angel is another graduating senior that found her calling at Chico State. She is studying to receive her Bachelor of Sciences in biochemistry in the spring. Her passion stems from her family values and experiences, which inspired her to grow immensely while at Chico State. Angel participated in the pre-med club, chemistry club, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and Student Learning Center as an SI leader. The atmosphere in the chemistry department allowed Sydney to develop very close, fond relationships with her professors.

“Being in a small department has been really nice,” Angel said. “I’m able to get to know my faculty on a first name basis and get to hang out with them outside of class.”

Her relationship with her professors has given her opportunities and guidance she didn’t think was possible. They push her to step out of her comfort zone by taking on leadership roles. Angel also credits the Student Learning Center as a major contributor to her success. There she developed key skills to mentor and provide leadership to other chemistry students. In her position, she’s helped over 800 students with their chemistry and physics courses, as well as provided oversight to the instruction of other SI leaders. SI supervisor Yer Thao is a coach to Angel, and guided her to be the SI leader she is today.

“Sydney is a model for the quote, ‘Leadership is action, not position,’” Thao said. “She is passionate for learning, dedicated to her craft, advocates for the people she serves, and goes above and beyond in everything she takes on. She will change the world for the better!”

The opportunities and challenges that come Angel’s way has helped her to excel in her major and grow as an SI leader. For example, to provide leadership and poster presentations to other SI leaders, she overcame her fear of public speaking. Although Angel knows her major is the right choice for her, she often competes against her male peers. Regarding the challenges within her major, she acknowledged that gender inequality is apparent.

“In the chemistry field there’s a lot of men, so just overcoming that stereotype of being a female and having people not look down at you because you are a female pursuing higher education,” Angel said. Angel is proud to be a woman of color representing minority groups in the STEM field driven by white males.

Angel will continue her journey at California Northstate University College of Medicine in Elk Grove. She will complete a dual program to receive her master’s degree in pharmaceutical science and the medical doctorate program to become a doctor in the next eight years.

“I automatically knew I wanted to be a doctor since my sister was in the hospital at such a young age,” Angel said. “Being able to see this doctor save her life made me want to be the same thing.”

Cheryl Watson, Endeavoring Academic Librarian

Cheryl Watson is a history major that ended up at Chico State by chance. She chose Chico State for convenience despite having other offers, such as the universities in San Bernardino and San Marcos. Coincidentally, her interests in research and organization guided her toward a career as an academic librarian. During her time here at Chico State, she has been involved in organizations that enriched her perspective and experience.

When Watson earned a position at the Meriam Library in the Special Collection’s sector her ability to organize, research, and track down items became apparent. There, Watson uncovered her passion to become an academic librarian and led her to pursue a graduate program in librarian studies.

“I like the environment of college and universities,” Watson said. “I’ve been good at school my whole life, so it would make sense that I would go into a career path set in a school setting.”

Even though it is a fulfilling and enriching experience to attend a university, higher education can sometimes come with its own challenges. Just Unity Sistas’ is an organization that provided Watson with a sense of community and belonging. She even served a term as treasurer and is still an active member. Watson feels that as a woman of color it can be a bit isolating at times, but that never discouraged her.

“To incoming students and women of color, Chico may seem overwhelming and a little bit scary, but there is a community here, you just have to find it,” Watson said. “Or make it yourself and break down doors, talk to people. You can do it because I did it, and I thought I couldn’t.”

Chico State has shaped Watson into the person she is today. Her experiences, memories, and professors allowed her to understand many different perspectives. She looks up to her mentors Tray Robinson, Stefani Baldivia, and Tracy Butts, who served as advocates for her and other students of color. Watson’s supervisor, Stefani Baldivia. in Special Collections often gave her advice on education and life experiences.

"Higher education and your professional life will always have people in power ready to keep you where they think you belong,” Baldivia said. “Being a woman of color and first generation puts you in a position to push the limits on the boundaries society set for you."

Watson has been accepted into three different library programs in the United Kingdom, where she will pursue her dream career as an academic librarian. She hopes to come back and visit Chico to reminisce about the unforgettable memories made here.

“If I could, I would love to work in the Meriam Library once I’m fully developed as a professional,” Watson said.

Congratulations to these three graduating seniors on all their accomplishments! Good luck with all your future endeavors as you all enter your next chapters in life.

The Building Blocks of Roberto Herniman’s Fulfilling Life

By Anthony Mendoza

Cover Photo of Roberto Herniman & Family

The foundation of life is built with a loving family, ideal professional career, and selflessness to give back to others. Chico State is the place to begin to build the essential parts of your life that you will cherish forever. This was true for class of ’95 alumnus Roberto Herniman. He followed his heart, and it resulted in a life filled with cherished moments.

Upon coming to Chico State, Herniman was accepted through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) which opened many doors for him to succeed. He reached the highest score on the math exam at the EOP Summer Bridge program. The EOP Summer Bridge program is a transition program for first-time EOP freshmen, where they develop skills needed before a successful college experience. EOP helped Herniman develop academically, but it also helped him connect with some of his lifelong friends. Tray Robinson, director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, had the biggest impact on him, and 30 years after meeting in Summer Bridge their friendship is still going strong.

“There're many lifelong friends I made in Summer Bridge and still connect with them,” Herniman said.

College is a time where everyone lives different experiences that can be life-changing, filled with lessons and rewarding times. Herniman got married at age 19 years old and had his daughter at 20. His resilient, hardworking, and caring nature manifested through his academics, work, and his new family. Throughout his time at Chico State, Herniman would commute to Marysville for work and come back for late night classes while staying committed to his fraternity and family.

“That first year at Chico State was life-changing for me,” said Herniman. “It was fun times, but it was busy—I started a fraternity, got married, and had a child.”

Herniman co-founded the multicultural fraternity, Epsilon Sigma Rho, alongside eight other colleagues. Being a part of this fraternity made him connect to other cultures, served as an overall basis of life, and exposed him to new people. Epsilon Sigma Rho quickly grew after the first year with a variety of students from different backgrounds. Herniman mentioned Tray Robinson was part of the first class of inductees and after that, the demographics began to grow.

“We liked what they stood for, and wanted to be part of a multicultural fraternity,” he said.

Acts of self-kindness can be seen throughout Herniman’s life due to his commitment to serve others willingly. He’s been a member of the Chico Elks Lodge for five years and continues to take on leadership roles. Herniman’s compassion and charisma with others have allowed him to become a Leading Knight for his chapter in the following year. This organization is committed to fundraising efforts, scholarships for graduating seniors, veteran support, and children’s services. He enjoys doing good things for a good cause because he finds philanthropy work rewarding.

“I’ve always wanted to do something to give back to the community and do something community service-based,” Herniman said.

Herniman’s family are all part of the Chico State legacy as college graduates. His wife, Estella, is an English language specialist at Biggs Unified School District. His daughter, Marisa, is a receptionist at Success One! Charter School. His son, Roberto, pursued a marketing degree and now works as a sales representative for Ferguson Enterprises. Herniman feels fortunate that his entire family were Chico State graduates.

"My dad was always a constant support system for my sister, Marisa, and me while we were at Chico State. I always went straight to him whenever I had a problem because I felt like he had probably went through it himself when he was a student,” said Herniman. “I wouldn't have been able to make it through if it wasn't for the support of my family."

Not only was he a student, husband, father, and part-time worker, but he was a DJ, also—starting young at 12 up until age 25. This was enough time to build a reputable career by hosting parties and performing at events. Roberto Herniman can add “opened up for Iced-T” to his resume.

Herniman also displayed his skills at an EOP talent show by performing tricks with the turntables. He won first place, which is an incredible honor to have so early on in his DJ career.

“Pretty much anything that plugs in, I’m managing,” Herniman said. “If there’s an issue early on, I like to check it and make sure to get the systems back up.”

As director of the technology department of seven school districts, you can imagine a typical day for Herniman includes countless meetings, phone calls and responding to hundreds of emails. He’s responsible for reaching out to his team to ensure all work orders are getting fixed. Herniman also contacts superintendents and principals, to mitigate any technical problems that arise at any district. Herniman now looks forward to the next chapter in life, retirement, and most importantly his family. And his granddaughter has become his favorite muse in life.

“I’m definitely looking forward to spending more time with my granddaughter after retirement,” Herniman exclaimed.

College is the time to build the essential parts of your life. Herniman got married, started a family, and still excelled in his classes, worked multiple side jobs, and conducted philanthropy work. Although Herniman has been incredibly successful in meeting his goals, he’s excited for retirement and to see what the future has in store for him and his family.

Moving Forward to an Inclusive Future in STEM

By Christina Arias and Anthony Mendoza

Photo by Lorena Navarro

Chico State is nestled in the middle of the Northern California Central Valley. The modest city in which it resides buzzes with energy from college students at the start of each academic year and stays that way until summer break comes around. There’s a calm in the air during those summer months because it is those very students that give life to the City of Chico, helping it thrive. Although Chico may be small with a predominately white demographic, Chico State is getting recognized for its diverse population that continues to grow as the years go on.

While the city itself lacks diversity, the University campus demographics show that things are changing. Chico State’s Latinx student population has increased every year since 2015 when it reached a 25 percent population benchmark, which has made Chico State qualify for a federal Hispanic Serving Institute (HSI) standing. This HSI recognition has not only created a more diverse campus and town, but it has also given minority student populations opportunities they may not have seen before. That number has since increased by about 10 percent, which made the Latinx population the fastest-growing sector at Chico State. Being HSI recognized means that Chico State can receive grants that are focused on Latinx students but also support and benefit all of its students.

These grants help create programs for undergraduate students, such as the Chico Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) Connections Collaborative and, more recently, graduate programs like Adelante, which provides support and encouragement for undergraduate students pursuing a graduate degree. Paul Villegas, the Chico STEM Connections Collaborative program director, has been a part of the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement program at Chico State for a long time and said receiving grants have helped expand STEM opportunities on a larger scale. Such opportunities include undergraduate research through the Chico STEM Connections Collaborative program, which serves 65 students each summer. These students get hands-on experience for professional development while receiving a stipend for their work.

“This has given the opportunity for sophomores to get research experience with professors,” Villegas said.

Many of these programs came into fruition within the past four years, after Chico State achieved HSI status. Ben Van Dusen, an assistant professor for the Department of Science Education, took on the role of researching the educational programs implemented and determine the success rate of students in order to better serve our community.

“I’m looking across gender, race, and first-gen students to see who are reaping the rewards of this new course transformation,” Van Dusen said of analyzing students’ behaviors, beliefs, and misconceptions based on their learning environment. “If our classes aren’t developing, especially for those marginalized populations, we’ll filter them out and [they] will continue to not be represented in those spaces,” he said.

In addition, some of these professors serve as mentors and provide guidance to their students. The Chico STEM Connections Collaborative’s natural sciences coordinator, Lorena Navarro, has proven that student-professor relationships are essential to ensure students stay on track and motivated.

“Once they get to Chico State, we provide them with the services needed to be successful in their majors—not just academically but to establish a sense of belonging,” Navarro said.

Navarro has been a major support system for students studying natural sciences. She provides them with academic advising, career counseling, scholarship opportunities, and assists in recruiting. Within her short time at Chico State, she has seen an exponential number of students apply for the research program. Navarro also aims to instill graduate school as an important proponent for students wanting to build a successful career in the natural sciences.

Adelante, the post-graduate mentorship program in the Department of Education, was created because the administration was becoming increasingly aware that students––and especially minority students––did not receive sufficient information and support to pursue graduate school. Adelante’s goal is to create support and exposure for students as early as their sophomore year. Master’s degrees give people an advantage further along in their career as advanced education becomes more in demand. As of 2018, only 13.1 percent of the US population hold advanced degrees. Chico State wants to increase this number nationwide, and they want to start with its students.

Overall, Chico State’s HSI status is much more than receiving federal grants, although that is a benefit. Teresita Curiel, the director of Latinx Equity and Success, shared her perspective on HSI is one that seeks to provide resources and solutions for all students on campus. In her position, she oversees student education through the pursuit of adequate and inclusive resources. Curiel also conducts research, attends grant writing conferences, and advises her collaborative team on upcoming grant proposals. Her work philosophy is “to do right by everyone” while meeting two important goals. The first goal is centered around students, to delegate resources to ensure success after college. The second is more grant-focused because this collaborative team constantly seeks opportunities for students that serve the underserved.

“I want to embrace the responsibility we have to serve our students,” Curiel said. “We do have a responsibility to maximize the participation in these grant programs of Latinx students, but not at the exclusion of others.”

This collaborative team of professors look forward to new opportunities that will come forth for Chico State as an HSI. Some of them hope to have upgraded laboratories, more centers for undergraduate research, and—most importantly—to increase inclusivity, equity, and access for all students.

Honoring Diversity and Inclusion at Chico State

By Noah Andrews

Photos provided by the Office of Diversity & Inclusion

For several years interested faculty and staff have collaborated to host a variety of sessions on diversity topics for the campus community. The Conversations on Diversity and Inclusion series focuses on the complexities of group, and individual identities and how they influence one another. Every spring, the CODI planning committee holds an award ceremony that honors members of our campus community who have exemplified these ideals. On behalf of The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Department of Multicultural and Gender Studies and the Gender and Sexuality Equity Coalition, congratulations to this year’s award winners!

After Chico Award

Recipient: Nicole McAllister, Impact Justice

The After Chico Award recognizes that the proof of a good education is what you do with what you’ve learned. In this award, we honor a Chico alum’s outstanding contributions in the field of diversity activism, service, education and celebration.

Taking it to the Classroom

Recipient: Carolina Alvarado, Science Education Department

Individuals who address diversity issues in the classroom often must deal with sensitive and challenging subjects, resistant or apathetic students or professional scrutiny. It is a daunting task that many choose not to address. The Taking It to the Classroom award recognizes an outstanding faculty member who possesses the courage and creativity required to successfully engage diversity issues in the classroom.

Behind the Scenes Award

Recipient: Katy Sylvia, Political Science Department

Just as in a movie or in theatre, much of the diversity efforts, the real work, is conducted and maintained out of public view. This award honors the individual behind the scenes, working diligently and often without recognition, to ensure that the show goes on seamlessly and successfully.

Promising New Comer Award

Recipient: Browning Michael Neddeau, School of Education & Multicultural and Gender Studies

This award is presented to an individual whose fresh perspective and energy galvanize campus diversity work and facilitate new approaches to old problems. The award honors the newcomer’s vision and invites a sustained commitment to its realization.

Pulling us Together Award

Recipient: Joe Picard, Basic Needs Project

This award is presented to the organizer(s) of an event that was noteworthy for drawing people together towards social change. The event may involve teaching the campus community eye-opening lessons about diversity issues, galvanizing a response to a particular social justice issue or representing those who are often marginalized in U.S. society.

Taking it to the Streets

Recipient: Jeremy Olguin, Office of Accessible Technology and Services

This award highlights a group’s or individual’s timely response to an event or issue of local, national or global significance. We particularly want to honor students, staff or faculty who have provided direct service to communities or individuals impacted by the topic.

Walk the Line Award

Recipient: Annie Adamian, School of Education

The Walk the Line award recognizes that the work to achieve social justice is both demanding and risky. Risks include excessive scrutiny and burn out from juggling multiple roles (e.g., mentor, teacher, advocate). This award recognizes one who takes such risk without the protection of privilege and safety nets such as tenure or full-time employment.

Teach-Back Award

Recipient: Bre Holbert, Associated Students, Majoring in Agriculture

The Teach-Back Award recognizes the fact that while students most often learn from their professors, they also teach their instructors and peers. With this award, we honor one of our students who has consistently been active either inside or outside of the classroom and contributed to diversity education on campus.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Recipient: Gary McMahon, Chico Student Success Center

Understanding diversity is the work of a lifetime. Helping others to understand it is the work of an extraordinary life. This award is presented to an individual who has brought the campus closer to its vision of inclusiveness through her or his cumulative daily efforts to promote understanding and collaboration across lines of gender, race, culture, class and sexuality.