At times, White majority students don’t understand what African-American students go through just to enroll in a place like this, let alone, all of the other pressures that are hidden from view.
Q: As majority institutions continue to wrestle with moral and legal ramifications of race and admissions and what it means to have a diverse campus, should Oberlin be looked to for guidance?
Baumann: I’m not a sociologist. Other institutions have often looked to Oberlin, not only as the pioneer school, but as a model to consider when they contemplate making newer and bigger strides in diversity education. As a consequence of the U.S. Supreme Courts’ 2003 Grutter v. Bollinger decision, the court affirmed the manner in which Oberlin College was doing admissions and its effort to promote campus diversity. We’ve been very cognizant that we follow the letter and spirit of the law.
Oberlin is committed to the belief that if we admit students to this institution, it is of great benefit to both White and Black students. There are associated educational benefits that come out of a diverse or inclusive environment.
