The Color Line: Is Brown University Losing its Diversity?

Brown University saw a sharp decline in Black and Hispanic student enrollment last year following the Supreme Court's ruling against race-conscious admissions policies. The university reported a 6 percentage point drop in Black students and a 4 percentage point decrease in Hispanic students, with overall underrepresented groups falling to just 18% of the incoming class. While Brown claims to be implementing measures to attract diversity, the numbers paint a clear picture. Similar drops are being observed at other New England universities like Tufts, Amherst and MIT, raising questions about whether this is part of a broader national trend. If so, what will be the long-term consequences? Brown remains committed to promoting diversity, emphasizing race-neutral strategies. But can these truly compensate for the absence of considering race in admissions decisions? Is there a risk of perpetuating existing inequalities without accounting for the historical context behind racial disparities in access to higher education? The university stresses that having diverse perspectives enriches the educational experience for all students. However, fostering genuine inclusion and equity will require more than just stating intentions - it demands actively confronting systemic barriers preventing underrepresented groups from entering academia. Notably, while Brown struggles with diversity challenges, UMass Amherst achieved record student body diversity in its latest incoming class. This suggests there may be alternative approaches worth exploring. Ultimately, these are complex issues without clear solutions. As universities navigate this new landscape, it's imperative to keep having candid conversations and insisting on accountability. Only by questioning assumptions and engaging in open dialogue can we work towards building a truly equitable higher education system.