Brown University launches controversial initiative to increase diverse student enrollment

In the United States, Brown University announced on December 4, 2024, that it is initiating a comprehensive recruitment initiative to enhance the enrollment of diverse students from various backgrounds. This decision follows the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2023, which effectively prohibited race-conscious admissions policies at colleges across the country. The immediate consequence of this ruling was a noticeable decline in the percentage of underrepresented minority students enrolled, with Brown reporting that only 18% of its first-year students in the fall of 2024 were from these populations, a significant drop from 27% the previous year. To counter the challenges posed by the new admissions landscape, Brown's initiative aims to ensure a robust pool of highly qualified candidates who reflect diverse backgrounds. The university officials outlined several concrete actions as part of the new strategy. This includes increased funding for matching financial aid offers from competitive institutions, enhanced collaboration with QuestBridge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting talented low-income students with opportunities in higher education, and the establishment of regionally based admissions positions across the country. Furthermore, the initiative encompasses new targeted communication campaigns directed at potential applicants, their families, and guidance counselors. Brown also aims to leverage its alumni network, intending to enlist over 750 alumni to support recruitment efforts. An additional focus is placed on greater access to financial support for low-income prospective students, allowing them to visit the campus and gain firsthand experience of the university environment. Importantly, Brown officials maintained their commitment to complying with the law while fostering an inclusive and diverse academic community. The long-term goal of these efforts is to create a consistent pipeline of applicants from historically underrepresented groups, increasing awareness of Brown's holistic admissions process. Despite these initiatives, the university has not indicated plans to abandon its requirement for standardized test scores or evaluate legacy admissions practices, which gives certain applicants an advantage based on familial ties to the university. The officials emphasize that the initiative is a sustained effort that recognizes the importance of continuing to attract and support a diverse array of students, thereby ensuring inclusivity within academic excellence.