Monday’s article reporting a large increase in the ethnic diversity of applicants for the Class of 2013 was certainly good news. However, I was disappointed to see that admissions statistics for Asian-American applicants were omitted from the report. When celebrating the diversity of the University, it should not be a matter of picking and choosing certain racial groups to highlight. Asian Americans make up over 11% of the undergraduate student body, and yet we are, at times, dropped from the University’s consciousness. Although some may consider it a success for a minority group to reach the levels of enrollment that Asian Americans have, an unfortunate result of this is that we have been relegated to a class of invisible minority. With each mark of success, much more work remains to be done.
I understand the Admissions Office may have chosen to omit the numbers because of a decrease in Asian-American applicants. Nevertheless, the numbers should still be reported. If the number of Asian-American applicants has indeed declined, than this is a serious issue that needs to be brought to light. While it is heartening to hear that this year’s applicants demonstrate an increase in ethnic diversity, we must remember to look at the full picture. If we’re going to celebrate the diversity of ethnic minorities at the University, why not celebrate all of them?
Amy Chen
Asian Student Union Treasurer
CLAS II
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