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Comparable Schools'
Diversity Grades:
College Prowler Take
The College of Charleston is not known for being a racially-forward school. But it’s not completely behind the times. More and more international students come here every year, and though the number of Hispanic and black students grows every year, so does the student population as a whole. It seems as if it will take forever for the College’s percentage of minority students to come close to its percentage of white students, if indeed that will ever happen. This is unsettling to those students who feel they are surrounded by sameness and for those who feel that the College’s student population does not reflect the changes in our society. Culturally, some students feel that they are immersed in a world of Southern mind sets, mannerisms, and ways of life, and wish to see some other influences on campus. In spite of the lack of diversity here, several students make the personal effort of diversifying their social circles and encourage those who don’t to consider it. The College of Charleston is not a school that is unwelcoming or discouraging to minority and ethnic students, and it offers clubs and organizations for its minority and international students to come together and form a community within the Charleston campus. Even with these resources, non-white students don’t tend to flock to the College of Charleston the way white students do. The student body could use some diversity, and the more the school grows, the more the students hope the student population will become diverse and balanced. Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
Anonymous says:  |
I’m surrounded by country-loving,...
I’m surrounded by country-loving, pick-up-driving, Lilly-Pulitzer wearing, white Southern folks all the time. It got old after the first day here. |
Anonymous says: |
It’s not that people aren’t...
It’s not that people aren’t tolerant of other races and ethnicities, it’s just that there aren’t enough different races and ethnicities. I haven’t met a single Indian person since I’ve been here. That’s just an example. |
cceller says: |
Some people seem to feel that the...
Some people seem to feel that the College isn't diverse enough and that you are "surrounded by white people" here. As with any other school, do your homework about it before attending. Furthermore, if you don't like it, don't stay. Accept that people like different lifestyles and environments. For those who feel they are surrounded by only one type of person, look a little deeper next time--you are only contributing to the problem by stereotyping fellow students.
Diversity: July 15, 2008
Report |
Anonymous says: |
I run into more international...
I run into more international students than I do Americans of different ethnicities. To me, that’s kind of strange. |
Anonymous says: |
This campus could be a lot more...
This campus could be a lot more diverse. I feel like I’m at a white college. |
FactsEconomic Status
As a whole, the student body appears to be pretty affluent; however, there are many students that are on scholarships or who take out student loans. Out-of-state students generally tend to have more money because they can pay the higher tuition, although there are many rich South Carolinians as well.
Gay Pride
The Gay-Straight Alliance is the only student organization dedicated to gay students and the club regularly holds meetings on campus. The gay community at the College of Charleston is not huge, but they are respected and welcomed nonetheless.
Minority Clubs
The College offers a variety of minority clubs including Aya Hwe M’, the Black Student Union, the Indian Culture Exchange, and SUMA.
Most Common Religions
The most popular religion at CofC is Christianity, and second to that is Judaism. There are many Christian groups on campus, such as Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Catholic Student Association, and the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. The Jewish Student Union is also quite active on campus and holds weekly Shabbat Dinners. Other religious organizations found on campus include the Bahai Club and the Pagans at the College of Charleston. Traditionally, in terms of religious tolerance, Charleston is an anomaly of the South. From its very foundations, the "Holy City" has been known to respect other religions and tolerate alternative lifestyles. Whether you are a Christian, a Jew, an Atheist, or a Buddhist, your beliefs will be respected.
Political Activity
Although the College of Charleston is nestled in the heart of the South, not every student is a conservative. There seems to be a mixed balance between liberals, conservatives, independents, and those who simply don’t care. Leading up to, and during the past presidential campaign, the College experienced a frenzy of political activity. Barack Obama, John McCain, John Edwards, John Kerry, and Ron Paul all visited CofC. Leading up to the 2008 presidential election, many students were seen wearing t-shirts supporting their candidates, and on November 4, an election “watch party” was held at the Stern Student Center.
Aside from national campaigns, students at CofC regularly take trips to the state’s capital in Columbia to petition the state for more funding. In addition, students show their concern for on-campus issues, such as the recent debate over whether or not the school should cut down a number of trees on the Cistern that were causing damage to Randolph Hall.
Most Recent Contributing Author
Name: Robyn Burrows
Hometown: Sewickley, PA
Major: Historic Preservation and Community Planning Robyn loves yoga! Contributing Author Internship
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