GOFFSTOWN, N.H.
St. Anselm College, a Roman Catholic college here, wants to double the enrollment of Hispanics, African-Americans and other minorities.
The college says it wants to do it by creating an environment that welcomes students of varied Christian denominations, religions and sexual orientations. Ethnic and racial minorities constitute 4.3 percent of the 1,900-member student body.
“We need to be a place where everyone feels at home, not just some people,” the Rev. Jonathan DeFelice, president of the college, told the New Hampshire Union Leader. “What are the things we do that are unattractive and therefore keeping some people away? We’re asking that question ourselves. Are we doing enough so that people feel comfortable and at home here?”
Denise Askin, the school’s new assistant to the president for inclusiveness, said the college will look at course offerings, student organizations, admissions practices and faculty hiring.
“If we grow in inclusiveness, if we have an environment on this campus that makes this a first choice for minority students, then we will have a higher percentage,” Askin said.
