Hello, UNDIRA friends! In the world of university life—whether in classrooms, discussion forums, or student organizations—we constantly navigate complex social dynamics. This reality stems from the diverse nature of campus spaces, inhabited by individuals of varying backgrounds, cultures, personalities, beliefs, and perspectives.

On one hand, diversity in essence, is a powerful asset in shaping an inclusive learning environment. However, on the other hand, social interactions that lack empathy and awareness can lead to harmful forms of communication—one of which is microaggression.

Microaggression refers to subtle passive-aggressive remarks or actions that demean or marginalize individuals based on their social identity—such as ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, or sexual orientation. Often disguised as jokes or polite comments, these behaviors are hard to detect but can have a significant impact. They may manifest in seemingly harmless statements like:

“Wow, you’re actually smart—despite coming from the province.”
“You’re a girl. Are you sure you can handle this project?”

Though they may appear trivial, microaggressions can be mentally and socially damaging. Victims may feel uncomfortable, reluctant to engage in certain social environments, and even lose the motivation to grow. Left unchecked, microaggression can pave the way for a toxic campus culture—one marked by sarcasm, exclusion, and veiled insults. In the long term, this can lead to:

• A decline in student self-confidence

• Disruption in the learning process and active participation

• The emergence of trust issues within the campus community

• The breakdown of collaboration between individuals

Thus, raising awareness of the dangers of microaggression is essential in maintaining both the quality of education and the psychological well-being of the academic community.

In response to growing concerns surrounding mental health and campus safety, particularly in academic settings, UNDIRA’s PPKPT Task Force held an interactive seminar titled “5 Deadly Sins in the Academic World” on July 14, 2025. One of the speakers, psychologist Ms. Maharani Octy Ningsih, explained how various forms of psychological violence often stem from seemingly minor matters—like bullying and intolerance—which, when left unaddressed, can escalate into major issues.

Microaggression is a concept that exists both consciously and unconsciously. However, as young individuals of character, we are called to not only adapt to our environment, but also to the individuals we interact with. It is important to recognize that not everyone should be treated the same—each person responds differently.

An educational environment is the ideal place to cultivate a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect.

At Universitas Dian Nusantara, we do not solely focus on academics and research. We are also taught to become individuals who value humanity and treat others with dignity. This campus upholds visionary values, integrity, and professionalism—principles that are reflected in how we communicate and interact. Moreover SATGAS PPKPT of UNDIRA always encourage acts of kindness and understanding towards others to create a safe haven for all academics.

Before expressing an opinion, consider the following:

• The tone of voice used

• Word choices that are appropriate and empathetic

• The potential psychological impact on others

Creating a healthy campus environment goes beyond rules and policies—it begins with self-awareness. Thinking before speaking, understanding context, and maintaining respect and tolerance are concrete steps to prevent microaggression.

By fostering a socially supportive and inclusive atmosphere, UNDIRA students contribute to building a collaborative, emotionally safe, and long-lasting academic community—not just for today, but for our shared future.