Lack of diversity at Ohio State University may surprise you

Ohio State University: Public. Land-grant. Not so diverse?

Despite an increase in OSU’s diversity (2017 freshman class was the most diverse on record) and overall attendance in the past four years, African-American male enrollment remains stagnant at 2.6 percent, reports The Lantern.

The Lantern spoke with Keith Bell, a graduate administrative associate at the university, who said one question on the Ohio State college application plays a huge role in black male acceptance rate:

“Have you ever been found responsible for a disciplinary violation at any education institution you have attended from the ninth grade (or the international equivalent) forward, whether related to academic misconduct or behavioral misconduct that resulted in a disciplinary action? These actions could include but are not limited to probation, suspension, removal, dismissal, or expulsion.”

Some argue the behavior of a ninth grader shouldn’t have an affect on their ability to perform in college.

OSU is well aware of the low enrollment numbers of African-American men and although James Moore, the interim vice provost for diversity and inclusion said this is a trend throughout the nation’s education pipeline, the university is making changes like increasing need-based aid and outreach programs in the community to make up for it. Some say that’s not enough.

“Ohio State has struggled to enroll a critical mass of underrepresented minority students,” a university spokesman told The Lantern. “Ohio State is thinking broadly about ways to enhance diversity outcomes from its admissions process.”

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