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Comparable Schools'
Diversity Grades:
College Prowler Take
How do you define diversity? Though it may not be the most diverse campus in the world, Duke does have a thriving community of students from almost every ethnic background. However, Duke students tend to segregate themselves and hang out with their own ethnic group. This is not always the case, of course, but a number of students seem to have a group of mixed-race friends and then another group of friends from their own racial background. This is a little worrisome, but the administration’s concern over the issue should prove that they’re at least trying to remedy this. Most students feel that there’s not much to be done about it. There is also the issue of economic background here. Duke is remarkably homogenous. Duke students are almost all rich, or at least rich-looking. This is not to say that everyone owns a yacht and plays golf with their dad’s business buddies on the weekend, nor that students are obnoxious with their wealth—but you will want to be aware of this before you come to Duke. You might even want to make a stop at Abercrombie on the way to Durham. 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:  |
As part of the first sophomore...
As part of the first sophomore class forced to live on West Campus, I was able to observe how much better people of different races got along when their living situation was similar to their freshmen year. I lived with most of the same people from my freshmen dorm, and it allowed us to get closer, instead of losing them somewhere in the social scene after my first year was over (that’s what usually happens). Diversity in the faculty is something to work on in the future. |
Anonymous says: |
Compared to other schools of the...
Compared to other schools of the same caliber, Duke is very diverse in student body. Students of color make up a third of the campus and are actively involved. There was a lot of segregation in the housing system, but the administration stepped up and changed housing policies with the intention of getting people across the race lines to communicate. |
Anonymous says: |
It seems fairly diverse to me, in...
It seems fairly diverse to me, in terms of race, political views, and religion. And everyone seems fairly tolerant of others’ differences. |
Anonymous says: |
The school is very diverse. That...
The school is very diverse. That is part of the administration’s mission. You’ll find almost every race somewhere at Duke. That’s a good thing, too, because everyone gets along really well. |
Anonymous says: |
Ethnically, it is very diverse....
Ethnically, it is very diverse. Socioeconomically, I’m not so sure. |
FactsEconomic Status
The Duke student body is astoundingly wealthy. Even those who are on financial aid usually manage to look, shop, and drive rich. There are, of course, people from a variety of economic backgrounds, but you wouldn’t think it to look at the campus. Duke is remarkably image-conscious.
Gay Pride
The gay scene is not very visible at Duke, but gays are not generally singled out for persecution, despite being called “the most gay unfriendly campus in the United States.” A recent campaign for gay acceptance handed out shirts reading “Gay? Fine by me,” and met with an enthusiastic response, as students across campus lined up to get the shirts—the 2,000 they had ordered quickly ran out.
Minority Clubs
Duke has a number of thriving minority clubs, which put on astounding cultural programs each year. Perhaps one of the most active is SAASA, the South-Asian American Student Association, which involves most of the South-Asian Students on Campus. The ASA (Asian Student Association) is also a vibrant part of the community.
Most Common Religions
The spires of Duke Chapel dominate the West Campus view, but in the basement of the Chapel, Duke’s Religious Life Center funds and promotes many of the religions most prominent on campus. The most popular faiths are Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism. The Freeman Center for Jewish Life provides a location for Jewish activities, and Duke Chapel hosts Protestant meetings every Sunday.
Political Activity
Duke, like most colleges, has a strong liberal streak, but conservatives have made their voices heard as well. Students campaign for various political candidates, and two students set up a system which paid students to drive low-income Durham residents to the polls for the 2004 presidential election. In 2003, there were sit-ins, rallies, and marches to protest the war in Iraq.
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