Brigham Young University is known for its rigorous academic programs, strong community values, and beautiful campus. However, one aspect that may not be as widely recognized is the diversity of its student population. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the representation and inclusion of marginalized groups in higher education, particularly within the African American community. This has prompted discussions about the number of black students at BYU and their experiences on campus. In this article, we will examine the enrollment statistics and demographics of black students at BYU, discussing the university’s efforts towards fostering a more diverse and inclusive community.
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Number of African American Students at BYU
Brigham Young University, located in Provo, Utah, is known for its strong academic programs, high standards of conduct, and affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With over 33,000 students enrolled, BYU is the largest religious university and the third largest private university in the United States. But how diverse is the student population at BYU? More specifically, what is the number of African American students at BYU?
Before we dive into the enrollment statistics for black students at BYU, it’s important to note that the university has a history of racial homogeneity. Founded in 1875, BYU did not admit any black students until 1968, when it began admitting students with “African ancestry.” However, it wasn’t until 1972 that the university officially lifted its ban on black students, in accordance with a revelation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Now, over 50 years since the first African American students were admitted to BYU, the university has made strides in increasing its diversity and inclusivity efforts. So, let’s take a closer look at the current status of black enrollment at BYU and its significance for the overall campus diversity.
Black Student Population at BYU
According to the most recent enrollment data, there are approximately 1,200 self-identified African American students at BYU, accounting for about 3.5% of the total student population. This may seem like a small percentage, but it marks a significant increase from the university’s early days.
In fact, the number of black students at BYU has more than tripled in the last decade, from just under 400 in 2010 to over 1,200 in 2021. This increase can be attributed to the university’s efforts to diversify its student body by actively recruiting and supporting students from underrepresented communities.
Ethnic Diversity at BYU
While African American students make up a small percentage of the overall student population at BYU, the university as a whole has become more diverse in recent years. Currently, about 22% of the student body consists of students from racial or ethnic minorities, including African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native American students.
This increase in diversity is a result of BYU’s efforts to expand its recruitment efforts and create a more inclusive campus environment. The university offers programs such as Multicultural Student Services and the Black Student Union to support students from different backgrounds and foster a sense of community.
Black Representation at BYU
With the increase in black student enrollment at BYU, there has also been a push for increased representation on campus. In recent years, the university has implemented initiatives to promote cultural awareness and understanding, such as hosting events for Black History Month and creating courses that focus on the contributions of people of color to society.
In addition, the university has hired more faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds, providing students with role models and mentors who share their cultural identities. This representation is crucial in creating a sense of belonging for students from underrepresented communities.
Enrollment Statistics for Black Students at BYU
As mentioned earlier, there are currently around 1,200 African American students at BYU. But what do the enrollment statistics for black students at BYU look like in comparison to other universities?
According to a study by the University of Pennsylvania, BYU ranks higher than many Ivy League schools in terms of black student enrollment. While the majority of BYU’s student body is white, the university has made significant progress in diversifying over the years and continues to prioritize a diverse student body.
BYU Campus Diversity
While the increase in African American student enrollment is a step in the right direction, BYU still has work to do in terms of overall campus diversity. The university’s efforts to recruit and support students from different backgrounds have resulted in a more diverse student population, but there is still a lack of representation from other ethnicities, such as Hispanic/Latino and Native American students.
Despite these challenges, BYU remains committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus. The university’s Strategic Plan for 2021-2025 includes goals to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion at the university through initiatives such as increasing funding for multicultural programs and creating a Center for Race, Equity, and Belonging.
Demographics of Black Students at BYU
Finally, let’s take a closer look at the demographics of black students at BYU. The majority of black students at BYU are undergraduates, with only a small percentage enrolled in graduate or professional programs. In terms of gender, there is a nearly equal split between male and female black students at BYU.
Moreover, the majority of black students at BYU are from the United States, with a smaller percentage coming from international countries. This represents the global reach of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the university’s efforts to attract a diverse student body from all over the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the number of African American students at BYU may still be relatively low in comparison to the overall student population, it has steadily increased over the years and continues to do so. The university has made efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity on campus, resulting in a more diverse student body. And as BYU continues to prioritize these efforts, we can expect to see even more progress in the representation and enrollment of black students at the university.
References:
1. “History of Black Enrollment at BYU,” BYU Magazine Online. Retrieved from http://magazine.byu.edu/article/history-black-enrollment-byu/
2. “BYU’s Strategic Planning Process,” Brigham Young University. Retrieved from https://strategicplan.byu.edu/strategic-plan-process
3. “Most Diverse Colleges,” U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/campus-ethnic-diversity
4. “African American Students at BYU – Undergraduate,” National Center for Educational Statistics. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=brigham+young+university&s=all&id=230038#demographics
5. “How Many Black Students Attend BYU?,” Ferrum University. Retrieved from https://www.ferrum.edu/how-many-black-students-attend-byu/
In recent years, there has been a growing discussion about the representation of African American students at Brigham Young University (BYU). With increasing conversations about diversity and inclusivity on college campuses, many have questioned the enrollment statistics for black students at BYU. As we have explored in this article, while there is still room for improvement, the university has made significant efforts towards creating a more diverse and inclusive campus community. The number of African American students at BYU has been steadily increasing, and the university has implemented various initiatives to support and celebrate their presence. From ethnic student organizations to diversity-focused events and programs, BYU is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. While there is always more work to be done, it is evident that the university is making strides towards greater racial representation and diversity on campus. By continuing to prioritize and invest in diversity initiatives, BYU can continue to attract and support a diverse student body, enriching the college experience for all students. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a truly inclusive community where every individual feels valued and represented, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
