Written by Vishakha Mathur
The University of Minnesota is a diverse campus. People from all different racial backgrounds, nationalities, economic classes, religious and political beliefs, and sexual preferences are inhabitants here. People from every corner of the world are invited to study at U of M, and reversely, American students can do a semester or two in a study abroad program. Therefore, diversity is a big contributor to the campus culture. Although the campus population is most prominently Caucasian, minorities are also welcomed. The mesh of cultures makes a new divergent culture of its own at U of M. Students are friends with people of different races, nationalities, sexualities—you name it. Students are encouraged to maintain their unique identity, while adapting to new ideas around them.
The campus is very tolerant of any differences in views of the minorities. For example, religious holidays, for any culture, are considered excused absences from class. Different student organizations also branch out to spread their native culture around the U. The second and third floors of Coffman Memorial Union are known for housing diverse groups; however, due to the big size of U of M, many students end up sticking with people of their own culture because they feel comfortable there. But even then, the campus environment is all inclusive and provides many opportunities to meet different people every day.