COLLEGE STATION, TX — Texas A&M University continues to be in the spotlight as students use their voices on Twitter to shine a light on their racial experiences as Aggies.
Tuesday night the hashtag #RacismAtTAMUFeelsLike was one of the top trending topics nationally as students past and present shared their experiences of racism as the school continues to address the topic.
A&M students are continuing to voice their racism concerns as they work on getting the university's attention, and it seems to be working.
"I have spent the last few nights reading on social media about the experiences of minority students and their families with racism in our community. It is heartbreaking – and unacceptable," said Chancellor John Sharp in a statement.
“I have heard from a lot of people that they would definitely want more transparency," said TAMU Student Daniel Cheng, Class of 2022.
Wednesday afternoon the university released a statement announcing a race relations task force, but current students, including A&M Athletes, want more.
“We’re happy that President Young sort of does listen to us and our concerns and responds to them, but then also our biggest concern is that the steps that he offers aren’t bold enough,” said Cheng.
While the trending hashtag is keeping the flame burning for change, the Black Student Alliance Council says change starts with the numbers.
“In fall 2019, Texas A&M has approximately 50,000 undergraduate students, and the black community makes up on 3% of that population, which also includes biracial and multiracial students who might or might not engage in the Black Aggie community,” said Black Student Alliance Council's Vice President Ny'Ja Jackson,
BSAC says while the president and chancellor are talking about race relations and diversifying the campus, one place they can start is simply by showcasing minority students.
“For example gallery photos. You don’t really see Black students in any of them, and since you’re not seeing yourself, you don’t really feel as appreciated,” said Jackson.
"And they would appreciate returning to campus and continuing these conversations," said Cheng. “I just hope that there will be more student involvement as well. I hope more students will speak up.”
Right now students are speaking out more than ever, and while joining them in their conversation, Chancellor Sharp ensures that racists are not welcome at Texas A&M.