More on Diversity

Recently I wrote about my experience notarizing HIPPA powers of attorney for incoming Washington University St. Louis students.  I noticed a dearth of African-American freshmen. 

It turns out it wasn’t just my observation.  Student Life, the student-run newspaper  reported this in its first edition of the school year:

The overall enrollment of students of color went down by six percentage points this year compared to last year — from 53% in the Class of 2027 to 47% in the Class of 2028. Further, Black, and African American student enrollment was four percentage points lower, down from 11.9% for the Class of 2027 to 8% in the Class of 2028, compared to the Class of 2027. The number of white students increased by one percentage point, while the number of Asian and Hispanic students decreased by roughly one percentage point each.

The percentage of students who chose not to disclose their race increased by four percentage points. 

The recent United States Supreme Court decision banning race-based admissions obviously has had an effect.  I’m not saying the decision was wrong; however, its effect makes a society where people from all backgrounds have equal representation less likely, soon.

I noticed the same type of thing when I was in Newport Beach, California this past weekend with my son and grandsons.  That area of the West Coast, from Long Beach through Huntington Beach to Newport Beach, seemed incredibly wealthy with expensive homes and restaurants.  I saw a diverse community, but very few African Americans.