Diversity defined by more than race

Though ten states are clamoring for a clearer definition from the Supreme Court regarding legal affirmative action policies, such a statement might not immediately affect private schools like Tufts. However, Tufts does maintain an affirmative action program and should consider any decision from the Supreme Court.

Though evaluating criteria for undergraduate admissions at Tufts is kept close to the vest, it is no secret that the University (and most elite colleges) tend to favor applicants from any underrepresented group. This doesn't just apply to race or ethnicity. It's a safe bet that a qualified student from Mississippi or South Dakota will have no trouble gaining admission here.

The need for real diversity has been and will continue to be a top priority at Tufts, but race is a too-narrow measure of this. It should be one of many criteria the University employs to ensure the most dynamic class possible for any given year.

University goals should play heavily in evaluating freshman candidates. For example, with a self-proclaimed global-centric focus, Tufts should be concentrating on recruiting more and more international students or student interested in international issues.

Any clarification from the Supreme Court on affirmative action will tend to be interpreted in terms of race, as this has historically produced the most contention (this particular case was from a white student alleging reverse discrimination). Though Tufts should take pains to ensure racial diversity and strive to follow any guidelines set forth by the courts, this particular component of diversity needs to be kept in the context of the overall undergraduate experience. Additionally, the percentage of minority students who did not accept their admittance to Tufts last year shows that if the University really wants to improve diversity on campus, it needs to make coming here desirable for students from a variety of backgrounds. Having a diverse student body means nothing if Tufts does not teach students to embrace that diversity.