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March 01, 2005
Letter to the Editor: Hamline's diversity is better than we think
I have been a student at Hamline University since 2000. The editorial written by Angela Robertson was mirrored with sentiments that I have seen in every Oracle I have read. These arguments have become generic, mean-spirited, and unfounded. Their arguments point to the predominant whiteness in our campus demographic. These students do not bother to look at the external reasons (along with other internal considerations) that affect their view and are entirely beyond Hamline's control.
1. Campuses around the nation are having problems filling their admissions goals for freshman classes. In many instances, schools are accepting practically anyone who applies. Unfortunately then, Hamline can not accept more international, non-white, or female students. Like other colleges, they accept those who want to attend. Our campus demographic is a product of who is applying to the campus.
2. In 2000, only 12% of Minnesotans identified themselves as non-white. Our surrounding states have an
even lower non-white population. The Hamline website shows that 50 countries are represented here.
Our student body is 68% female. With the economic restraints Hamline is dealt, they are statistically doing a great job.
3. Outside of our campus, Hamline is known as a safe ground for the homosexual community. The rights we have bestowed for same-sex couples is unprecedented around the nation, and should be a shining example for other campuses, businesses, and oh yeah, our government to follow.
Unfortunately, our campus is not perfect when it comes to Dr. King's dream. Since there is not a great dome around our campus we are a reflection of our society -- which is racist, sexist and classist. However, after graduating from the CLA last May, I decided to enter graduate school here. My main reason was because when it comes to diversity and liberalism, Hamline University is unmatched (ok, Berkeley might argue). Go read one of my articles about Hamline from 2001 or 2002; I did not always feel that way about this campus. However, facts are facts.
My criticism about Hamline always stemmed from the lack of anything conversative - from a campus that
touts diversity, Hamline has never been an outlet for conservative students to feel comfortable, politically or religiously. Now that I'm no longer conservative, it is even more clear that conservatism here does not exist. Let me be the first to shout, "Thank God!"
If Hamline should be criticized for anything when it comes to diversity, it should be their consistent tuition hikes every year, which make it near impossible for lower-class minority families (or any lower-class family) to afford this institution.
If Dr. King could were here today to see our campus, he might actually think our society has made some progress.
Derek K. Larsen
CLA Alumni '04
Posted by msveum at March 1, 2005 08:00 PM
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