As part of a class project to enact social change within the Chapman community, our group has conducted extensive literature reviews and interviews with professors, staff, and students. As a diverse group of students, we have found that BIPOC students experience unique barriers in accessing mental health resources, especially on campus. 

BIPOC individuals suffer worse mental health outcomes than their white counterparts, which when combined with their experiences as college students, can result in even higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses than others. Intersectionality has a significant effect on students’ mental health. Intersectionality is defined as the unique identity created when two or more social identities overlap. Students, regardless of their various identities, should not have to endure negative mental health outcomes.

In order to better support and advocate for the mental health of BIPOC students at Chapman University, we have listed the following calls-to-action:

That the Chapman Administration provides more educational resources regarding mental health to the student body, including implementing yearly initiatives students must take in which they learn about, mental health resources, warning signs, how to support their peers, etc.
Hiring additional BIPOC and other intersectional counselors and therapists 
Creation of mandatory and culturally sensitive and diversity training for faculty, counselors, and staff at the counseling center
Creating mental health resources and tools, such as pamphlets and flyers, specific to BIPOC students and address local and national racialized experiences and events (i.e. Black Lives Matter, AAPI Hate)

If you have any questions, feel free to DM us at @chapmanbipocmentalhealth!