Carrie Yang
Jan 20, 2026
The Multi-Racial Student Union (MSU) hosted a “takeover” in the Simon Student Center last Friday, offering Mercersburg students an opportunity to share and hear different experiences. The event marked the group’s first major event since its founding earlier this year.
Inspired by other unions on campus, the MSU was founded to provide a welcoming community for individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. President Jazlyn Garnett ‘27 said, “ I went to the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) last year, and they had an affinity space for multiracial people, and I thought it was such a great and welcoming community. People understood what it was like to not fit into one specific identity, and I thought it would be perfect to start at Mercersburg.”
Vice-president Alex Ferrari ‘28 added, “Jaz and I started it together, to make sure that we, identifying as multiracial, have an affinity space for other people who identify with us.”
The union aims to support racial and cultural diversity on campus. Garnett said, “Our mission is to provide a space for people who fit into multiple identities, and have a voice in our community as a whole, especially the younger people who don’t know many people at Mercersburg yet. Because so many people at Mercersburg come from so many different places, even if you don’t identify as multiracial, this student union is a great opportunity to start a network of people who are becoming more comfortable with all forms of themselves.”
Garnett continued, “I identify as Black and white. I don’t see the Black half of my family, so it's really hard for me to connect with the Black half of me. Just being able to accept that and just be my own person is the hardest part of trying to figure out what multiracial means.”
The Multi-Racial Student Union takeover introduced the group to the community. Featured activities included bracelet-making, coloring, snacks, trivia, and music.
The student response centered on community and connection. William Luo ‘27 said, “Being able to attend this multiracial event is fun, and I can interact with my friends who also share this diverse culture with me.” Ani Spitzer ‘27 added, “ I think [this event] brings everyone together. We played trivia, got some free snacks, and had some fun times with friends. It was great!”
As the Multi-Racial Student Union continues to grow, the leaders hope it will foster connections among students, giving them a space to explore and ensuring that the union’s mission will continue.