UMD English's Priya Hay-Chatterjee Wins the Loving Award

English Senior Priya Hay-Chatterjee has won the Loving Award, named in honor of Mildred and Richard Loving for their bravery and perseverance in invalidating miscegenation laws via the landmark Supreme Court decision in Loving vs. Virginia.

This award is presented to a member of the University of Maryland undergraduate community who has demonstrated a significant and ongoing commitment to multiracial and cross-cultural causes and communities.

“I'm so grateful to all of the educators and mentors who've helped and encouraged me along my academic and activist journeys,” says Priya. “Receiving the Loving Award is a wonderful reminder that a dedication to serving and improving visibility for your community doesn't go unnoticed. I'm honored to be recognized by the University for my work in activism.”

Priya is a graduating senior from Silver Spring, Maryland, majoring in English Language & Literature with a Certificate in Women’s Studies and minoring in LGBTQ Studies. She serves as an intern at the Office of Multicultural Involvement & Community Advocacy, organizing around multiracial and gender identity, and serves as Head Lifeguard and Instructor at the Recreation and Wellness Center. Priya works as a Policy and Research Intern for reproductive justice legislation with NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland. She has been on the Dean’s List for 6 semesters during her undergraduate career.

“My work in multiracial involvement and in reproductive rights have taught me that while there's a lot of opposition out there, there are also activists and allies everywhere,” she says. “It's a privilege to work as a mixed-race activist within departments and systems which foster growth and understanding--in reproductive rights and policy, so much of our work is simply overcoming opposition. I've learned that heartfelt, empathetic connections and thoughtful, intentional inclusion are essential to community and coalition building.”

After graduation, Priya hopes to work in local or national reproductive rights and justice initiatives.