Diversity Students at Stonehill

What does "ALANA" mean?

The acronym ALANA stands for "African, Latino, Asian, Native American" and is typically used when referring to student of color populations. At other colleges, you may hear the term A.L.A.N.A or A.H.A.N.A. (African, Hispanic, Asian, Native American). For the most part, they all refer to students of color.

Why do we use the term ALANA as opposed to "minority" student?

Simply put, the word "minority" is pejorative when referring to “students of color.” Using the word “minority” when referring to students of color also has political connotations — i.e. the majority holds the power, while the minority is powerless. 

We, at Stonehill, are a community that strives to recognize equality; moving away from the word “minority” as a race description will help our community be stronger, more attractive, and more inclusive to people of all types of backgrounds.