Earlham CollegeDiversity Summary

Written by Anna Benfield

Anna Benfield

Hometown

Takoma Park, Md.

Major

Women's Studies

View all previous student authors

While our diversity pales in comparison to public urban universities, Earlham usually has the political wherewithal to back initiatives with more than just political correctness. We're not where we could be, but students and faculty care about this complex issue and are politically informed enough to speak up on behalf of diversity. The degree of socioeconomic diversity stands as evidence of the generous need-based financial aid at Earlham that outpaces comparable schools in the region. The large international student population and the Japanese exchange program also contribute. Sure, Earlham is predominantly liberal, but many right-leaning students and professors aren't afraid to voice their opinions either. These factors lead to an ongoing, campus-wide discussion on the difficulties of overcoming global issues within the context of an academic community. Earlham provides a truly incredible place for people of many races, nations, sexualities, and ideologies to come together in ways that are not possible on most college campuses, but sometimes, we need to be more careful about not blinding ourselves with self-congratulation. Earlham can and often does live up to its self-promoted image of inclusion and welcome. However, self-segregation and homogeneity within racial groups should not be ignored. We have plenty of room for improvement, but this issue is not one that students or faculty are going to be shying away from any time soon.