Someday I hope that LGBTQ students, staff, and faculty will also be included in public affirmations of diversity at Whitworth.

“Our communities, our workplaces, our country, and our world is diverse,” Vasiloff said. “As an institution of higher education, we seek to prepare students for success in myriad facets of their lives, and if we do not provide them with engagement with diversity and relevant issues of diversity and equity, then we are failing in that mission.”

Intersectionality absolutely does make the process of reaching the goals of the feminist movement slower. But that’s not the whole story.

“Asking questions is okay if you’re willing to learn,” says Lysa Cole, a member of the black community and of the class of 2022.

While Whitworth aims to be an inclusive community, the friendly demeanor of the university impedes this goal especially when it comes to addressing racial tensions and issues on campus. When students...