When applying for college, students have the option of revealing their racial or ethnic identity on their applications. According to a 2003-2004 report by the American Council on Education, fewer students nationwide are exercising this option.
The report, "Minorities in Higher Education," released Tuesday, indicated that the number of college students has doubled in the past decade while the number of students choosing to not reveal their race or ethnicity also has increased.
"It's hard to say whether that's a good thing or a bad thing," Student Council President Noah Sullivan said.
Students may identify themselves on the University's online application as one of the following categories: American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or white. "Not specified" and "Unclassified" also are options.
The application states that those wishing to check more than one category should submit a paper application.
Sullivan indicated that if less students choose to indicate their identity it might be more difficult for the Office of Admission to ensure diversity, as he said he considers race and ethnicity as one way to help ensure diversity in general.
There are a variety of explanations for why students may not indicate their race or ethnicity.
"Maybe just they just want to get credit for what they've done and not who they are," Latino Student Union President Angie Ferrero said.
Ferrero also suggested that students may be afraid of discrimination in admissions decisions.
Despite fewer students stating their racial or ethnic identity, the report also indicated that minority enrollment in colleges throughout the country has increased.
The number of Hispanic college students has increased by 600,000 in the past decade, black students by 500,000, and Asian-American students by 300,000.
The report attributed the 4.6 percent decline in white student enrollment to lower birth rates among whites.
The number of degrees issued to African-American, Hispanic, American-Indian, and Asian-American students has doubled in the past decade, according to the report.
The University's Office of Admission could not be reached for comment at press time yesterday.
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