There's also an incorrect assumption that every HBCU is majority black. Gadsden State Community College is an HBCU, as is Bluefield State College. But take a look at their student population. There are other HBCUs that are no longer mostly black. So there's no "lack of diversity" at those schools.
A.M.of CA2:19PM August 10, 2009
@ PD - I attended an HBCU for my undergraduate degree (Spelman College) and I am now a graduate student at Harvard University. In response to your third question, the "apparent lack of diversity" is actually nonexistent from my perspective. I grew up in a mostly white neighborhood, attended a mostly white private school from pre-school through elementary, followed by mostly white junior high and high schools. To me, that was a lack of diversity. Attending an HBCU WAS diversity - I met students from all over the world and I was exposed to cultures I had no previous knowledge of. The term "Historically Black" tends to lead people to believe there is no diversity because "black" is typically associated with African Americans. However, there were students at my college from various other countries and continents, and meeting them and learning about different cultures was an eye-opening experience for me. My point is that the diversity I encountered at Spelman opened my mind to so much. Yes, that could happen at "majority institutions." But it can and does happen at HBCUs as well.
The reality though is that most schools are majority SOMETHING. For some reason, attending a school that is 80%+ white is seen as the norm. Attending a school that is 80%+ black is considered a lack of diversity. That, to me, is a double-standard.
S. W.of GA11:51AM August 07, 2009
Answer #1
There is, nor will there ever be, a one size fits all solution to the problem of inequality in institutions of higher learning. The problem is similar to what happens routinely in families with 2 or more children. No 2 are ever alike and the notion that you can treat them all the same and get the desired result is a fallacy which most parents will attest to. To maximize each one’s potential a tailored plan must be created based upon individual needs, talents and aspirations. Sure there are some needs that all children have regardless of their apparent differences and these needs must be addressed. However, a two-pronged approach, which further addresses the individual needs, must be applied to produce maximum results. Parents know that different does not mean bad, weak, etc. It means different.
Many adversities facing minority students have little to do with academics, but may affect their ability to perform academically and consequently their retention rates in higher education. HBCU’s generally hire, though not exclusively, faculty and staff that are reflective of its student population who are often more capable of addressing the needs of its students than their counterparts at majority institutions. Thus, HBCU’s often fill a gap for good students that must be transformed to overcome the adversities of their backgrounds to become the scholars that they are. Faculties and staff that have already been able to transcend similar barriers are uniquely equipped to assist the student in making the transition necessary. “They can show them the way because they know the way.”
Some minority students are quite capable of prospering while attending heterogeneous majority institutions while other such students would benefit greatly by being transformed while attending a HBCU (primarily homogeneous institutions). Both students have academic abilities, talents and skills that when honed can make great contributions to the larger society, but each must take his/her on route to achieve the desired results.
Answer #2
Colleges that serve high risk students and have small endowments are still very much needed. America could not offer its “dream” to all citizens without providing avenues for their achievement. The accreditation process includes many parameters and financial stability is often one of the main reasons these institutions are in jeopardy. However, the chain that represents America is only as great as its weakest link. When we do not address the needs of the least among us, we will all suffer eventually.
Answer #3
If one is to love his neighbor as himself, the assumption is that he first loves himself. Minority students often benefit from the nurturing environments at HBCU’s. They are taught to believe in themselves and their abilities to perform. They are provided an environment somewhat free of many of the adversities that faced them in their local communities and are provided mentoring from others who are travelling the journey to success that they have begun. They are challenged sufficiently to maximize their abilities, encouraged to strive to be all that they can be and to get outside of themselves and make contributions to the greater good of humanity. Once placed on a firm foundation in the crucible of and HBCU, the student is encouraged and required to diversify. The plan is never to keep them from diversification but rather to prepare them for it.
Barb of MSof MS10:52AM July 29, 2009
I completely agree with Vera. I love our HBCU's because of their history but unfortunately that is all many of them have left. Only what I call the Black Ivy League( Howard, Hampton, Spelman, Morehouse, NC A&T, North Carolina Central, Fisk, Tuskegee, Claflin, and a few others) look like they will make it because the graduation rates at the others are so low. Of course the main reason is because so many students are in need of financial aid and many HBCU's have small endowments and are being hit hard by the recession, along with the fact that now the best Black students can attend more than just HBCU's. However I hope something can be done to save most if not all of them.
Marioof NC4:13PM July 28, 2009
The lack of diversity doesn't benefit a student in either a non-HBCU or HBCU. I was lucky enough to attend a liberal arts college that emphasized diversity; not only in it's student body but also in it's curriculla and philosophy
Vera makes a very good point. Minority students have many more choices than traditionally afforded them. If a HCBU's only selling point is its "historical blackness" and not a competative education it will become dinosaur.
Just for the record I did not brand myself a bigot. I've seen with discussions of race and ethnicity people's IQ's plummet, leaving only name-calling and accusations. I expected it here. I'm happy I was wrong.
P.D. Pasternakof NY1:49PM July 23, 2009
1. The federal policy prohibits segregation in all educational institutions. . including Historically Black Colleges & Universities. . .the key word is Historical, as many of these institutions are historically known for creating options in higher education not traditionally afforded to Blacks (post-slavery/the Civil War Era, during days of Jim Crow, Segregation, etc.). Today many of these instituions continue to be majority Black but are have diverse populations, including Whites, other minorities, and international students from all over the world. This is no different than the elite universities such as Harvard or Yale & other non-HBCU colleges & universities remain predominantly white.
Also, many HBCUs do not receive federal funding & rely sole on donations.
2. IMHO, it is up to the board of directors, faculty, alumni, & other supporters of the school. . .again most HBCUs are private and rely on generous contribution from private donors. . .these difficult economic times may have contributed to this institution's downfall.
3. Allow, me to pose this question to you, "How does the apparent lack of diversity benefit those who attend non-Historically Black Colleges & Universities"?
Most non-HBCUs have anywhere between 1%-12% minority (including those other than Blacks). Attending a university or college can be daunting enough but having to deal with it combined with adversities such as racial discrimination can prove to be too much. I do not have exact stats, but if my memory of research regarding the retention rates of Black students at predominantly White schools are often poor. More over, unlike many other colleges or universities HBCUs offer considerable support (financially and otherwise) to cater to the needs of their students and to ensure success. Many HBCUs give students an opportunity for higher ed that may not otherwise be afforded to them do to low ACT/SAT score which Blacks historically score lower on than whites.
Attending an HBCU can also be a part of students' heritage & legacy...where their grandparents, parents---many generations of their family--were afforded an education that would have otherwise not been available to them do to segregation (Jim Crow existed til the late 1960s early 70s) and despite federal legislation and orders--many universities (i.e. The University of Alabama & Gov. Wallace's standing in the School House Door).
FYI--I was educated in a predominantly white elementary, middle & high school. . .often the only black in my class & attended the University of Alabama where much work is still required in terms of race relations. Walking among people on a campus who look at you as if you do not belong or that you are some "affirmative action" case causes irreparable damage to one's self-esteem & self-image--all vital to a young person's ability to be successful in college & life. Also--this may be hard for some to believe--but sometimes HBCUs are selected on the basis of their excellent reputation!
Woman on A Journeyof AL11:06AM July 23, 2009
As a graduate of an HBCU (Prairie View A&M University, class of 81) I think they are necessary, they are still relevant and if managed properly can compete with many of your predominantly white universities. However HBCU’s are still operating under the premise of “they have to come here”. Students today have choices and they are going to choose colleges that are relevant to, today 2009.
HBCU’s must look at updating their process, procedures, business practices and ensuring good customer service to all of their stakeholders. HBCU’s must become innovative, creative and modern. They must look at new ways of doing business or risk becoming dinosaurs.
Vera of GA9:53AM July 23, 2009
Are not merging. It was an idea by ONE state legislator without any plan whatsoever. The fact that this story is being reported as a possibility shows that USN&WR has not followed up on the facts.
Joeof GA11:32AM July 22, 2009
I'm sure I'll be branded a bigoted racist but what the heck.
1. Why does the federal government do it's best to legislate integration and increase a heterogenous student body in some institutions of higher learning while allowing others to promote a homogeneous student body?
2. Is a college or university that loses it's accreditation or 85% of it's freshman by their senior year worth saving?
3. How does the apparent lack of diversity benefit those who attend "Historically Black Colleges and Universities"?
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A.M. of CA 2:19PM August 10, 2009
S. W. of GA 11:51AM August 07, 2009
Barb of MS of MS 10:52AM July 29, 2009
Mario of NC 4:13PM July 28, 2009
P.D. Pasternak of NY 1:49PM July 23, 2009
Woman on A Journey of AL 11:06AM July 23, 2009
Vera of GA 9:53AM July 23, 2009
Joe of GA 11:32AM July 22, 2009
P. D. Pasternak of NY 8:42PM July 21, 2009