Written by Marshal Yong
SU, like most colleges, likes to brag about having a culturally-diverse student body. Although Syracuse may not be the most diverse campus around, there are a significant number of minority students here. That said, pure numbers and statistics do not determine the true diversity level on a college campus; intermingling between cultures is what's important. However, Syracuse, like many other "diverse" universities, shows a distinct lack of social interaction between people of different backgrounds. Whether it is in the student center or in the extracurricular activities students chose to participate in, the separation is evident, despite the University's best efforts to promote cultural unity. On the other hand, though, students of different economic backgrounds mesh together here quite well.
There is, however, a great number or clubs and organizations that cater to minority students. Black and Latino fraternities are an influential force in bringing dances and speakers to SU. Places like the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) Resource Center and the Winnick Hillel Center are key elements of the SU community, and they are welcome to everyone, not just people that fit their respective group interests. Also, majors like Middle Eastern, Native American, African American, and Latino American studies are seeing a rise in student interest.