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Oberlin College - DiversityCollege Prowler3.08
Comparable Schools'
Diversity Grades:
College Prowler Take
Diversity is an issue at the heart of most Oberlin politics. Some students say the campus is very diverse, while others complain it isn’t nearly as diverse as it should be. The main point of contention comes from the fact that an overwhelming majority of Oberlin students are of European descent, and are from middle- to upper-class backgrounds. In addition, most students identify with left-leaning (and extreme left) politics, and it isn’t necessarily a campus that welcomes anti-abortion or pro-Republican sentiments. Despite a certain degree of political and class/race homogeneity, Oberlin does draw students from a wide variety of backgrounds. For example, you might just as easily meet a football-loving ?utist from Erie, Pennsylvania, a transgendered computer whiz from New York City, or a neuroscience and religion double major from India. The combinations of interests and talents are endless at Oberlin, and that’s what makes its students so unique. The sizeable international student population, as well as the diversity of sexual orientations and identities, serves to enrich the already widely varied student body. Students Speak Out
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Anonymous says:  |
Oberlin seems pretty diverse to...
Oberlin seems pretty diverse to me. Especially when it comes to people’s beliefs and attitudes. People are generally extremely open-minded here. |
Anonymous says: |
Oberlin is diverse, but not...
Oberlin is diverse, but not evenly, which is to say, you can find just about any background and attitude here, but the majority of kids are upper-middle-class suburbanites who try to transcend their ‘conformist’ roots by wearing Carhartts and eating tempeh. |
Anonymous says: |
There are minority students at a...
There are minority students at a pretty good rate considering we’re a rich-kid, private, liberal arts school. But the thing is, there isn’t enough mingling for my taste. It seems like people keep to themselves too much, which says a lot for all the activism on campus. |
Anonymous says: |
Oberlin prides itself on its...
Oberlin prides itself on its diversity. Most social, ethnic, religious, sexual-identity, and racial groups are represented on campus, but this is not to imply that everyone gets along with everyone. |
Anonymous says: |
A lot of groups keep to...
A lot of groups keep to themselves, but between the college and the conservatory, there are a lot of very different people. |
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Oberlin College? FactsEconomic Status
Students come from a wide variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, though it is no secret that the majority is from predominantly middle- to upper-class families. Still, a significant number of students are on scholarships and financial aid, and those who are wealthy tend not to be showy about it
Gay Pride
The campus is extremely accepting of its sizeable gay, transgender, transsexual, and questioning communities. One of the largest events of the year is the Drag Ball, and the school also hosts Transgender Awareness Week, and offers a fair number of Queer Studies courses. On-campus student groups, such as Queers and Allies of Faith, and LGBTU tend to be very active and outspoken. At Oberlin, it’s not about tolerance, but acceptance and understanding.
Minority Clubs on Campus
Minority student organizations are a strong social force on campus, and every year there are cultural shows and performances put on by various groups. The Third World House dormitory and co-op provides a safe space for students of minority or financially disadvantaged backgrounds, and the Afrikan Heritage House hosts cultural events and a political space for students of African ancestry. Every year different minority groups join together for the Colors of Rhythm dance performance.
Most Common Religions
There are various Christian groups on campus, and a sizeable Jewish student population. There is also a Muslim Students Association, and a Pagan Awareness group, not to mention a very vocal agnostic contingent of the student population.
Political Activity
Most students are politically and socially liberal, some radically so. Students tend to be very outspoken about their political views, and there is hardly a day that goes by without some sort of protest, rally, or petition. Some students complain that the campus is overly politicized, while others say it is only superficial politicization, and not that radical at all.
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