Diversity at UF is a fairly recent phenomenon, barely half a century old. It is a luxury that we enjoy as a result of the active measures taken by the first students and administrators who fought for minority admittance to UF.
Hispanics make up 22 percent of the population in Florida, while African-Americans comprise 15 percent. In 2010, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that Hispanics/Latinos made up 16.5 percent of the Student Body at UF, while African-Americans made up 9.4 percent.
Considering that minorities pay taxes to fund this state-run institution, it is the university’s responsibility to ensure their numbers are represented. Still, various structural issues remain that keep minorities from attending UF.
California was applauded for its lack of racial consideration, but it should be noted that Hispanics make up more than 37 percent of the population and less than 16 percent of the student bodies at UCLA, Berkeley, San Diego, Davis and several other state campuses — hardly a sign of diversity.
Affirmative action was initially established to combat gender as well as racial inequalities. However, it did not favor race or gender to achievement. Last year, more than 82 percent of the incoming class had GPAs above 4.0, making UF’s admissions standards one of the most competitive in Florida. These standards have continued to rise during the past three years, despite the question of race in the admissions application.
Asking a student’s race does not handicap the university or the student. The university, if for no other reason, should keep the race question for statistical purposes because, unfortunately, race and ethnicity are still factors in American society today.
In the end, the university speaks for itself. The admissions website clearly states: “All applicants who meet requirements and standards will be considered equally for admission to any academic program, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, beliefs, age, national origin, sexual orientation or physical or mental disabilities.”
Tiffany Walker
Anthropology junior
