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| Warner Pacific University president Brian Johnson takes a selfie with college students |
In the wake of the US Supreme Court's ruling against race-based college admissions last month, discussions surrounding the future of diversity efforts in higher education have surfaced. However, leaders at many evangelical colleges remain steadfast in their commitment to promoting diversity, asserting that the recent decision will not hinder their ongoing efforts.
James Steen, Vice President of Enrollment Management at Houston Christian University, stated that for most Christian institutions, the ruling is not expected to bring significant changes in their recruiting practices or admissions policies. Steen believes that smaller Christian colleges, unlike elite private or flagship public universities, are not faced with the task of turning away admissible students due to a large pool of applicants.
While the ruling has raised questions about the use of affirmative action in college admissions, it's worth noting that not all institutions of higher education actually consider race in their admissions process. According to documents filed by Harvard University, affirmative action is used by more than 40 percent of universities and 60 percent of selective schools. Interestingly, none of the Christian higher education leaders interviewed by Christianity Today (CT) have used race-based admissions.
The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) released a statement after the Supreme Court ruling, indicating that the decision may be seen differently among various evangelical schools. The CCCU asserted that despite the narrowing of permissible tools to attain diverse student bodies, evangelical higher education will continue to value all students, with a particular emphasis on students of color from the United States and around the world.
Lena Crouso, CCCU's Senior Advisor and Fellow for Diversity, highlighted the importance of diversity in achieving God's plan for reconciliation among humanity. She emphasized that the CCCU supports responsive diversity efforts through initiatives like the Commission on Diversity and Inclusion, the Multi-Ethnic Leadership Development Institute, and the upcoming CCCU Diversity Conference, which will explore strategies for campus transformation under the theme "Diversity Still Matters."
George Fox University, located in Oregon, holds a firm commitment to diversity, rooted in its belief in reflecting the kingdom of God as described in the Book of Revelation, where people from many nations and tongues gather together in worship. The university aims to actively recruit diverse students and faculty, partnering with external organizations and eliminating barriers in the application process.
For Warner Pacific University (WPU), promoting diversity is a personal calling for its president, Brian Johnson, who believes in opening doors for all students, regardless of their backgrounds. Johnson's own journey from a Black boy in public housing to a university president serves as an inspiration, and he now endeavors to provide similar opportunities for every student at WPU.
These evangelical colleges' commitment to diversity remains resolute, even in the absence of race-based evaluations in their admissions processes. They continue to emphasize their mission of serving diverse communities and preparing students to thrive in an increasingly diverse world.
