February 20, 1969
Nancy Grant ‘71 writes Sophian article on difficulties in recruiting black students → Dean Sehmann and students respond
In February, 1969 a student published an article in the Sophian detailing her experience with and views of Smith’s effort to recruit a more diverse student body. With Black students making up less than 2% of Smith students as the time, Smith employed the tactic of sending black undergraduates to recruit black high school students in both suburban and poorer areas. The student writing, Nancy Grant ‘71, found it difficult to provide meaningful, convincing reasons to come to Smith; Smith was behind other schools as far as increasing inclusion and diversity, and the only reason she could offer for coming to Smith instead was that it offered a challenge and a chance to be part of the movement working toward change.
Expenses, discrepancy in quality of high school instruction, complete lack of black faculty members, lack of African or Black studies majors or courses, and residential issues (the threat of a hostile white roommate as well as the unmet request for a Black House) were some of the reasons against coming to Smith Grant encountered. Dean Sehmann issued a response which some felt was insensitive to Grant’s concerns. Another student responded in the Sophian, indicating that more systemic changes needed to be made beyond recruiting Black students to Smith to truly meet the needs to diversity and inclusivity.
Difficulties Of Black Recruitment: Expenses, Identity Hamper Process 1, 8
(Lettr. to the Ed.) Black Student Objects To Dean Sehmann’s Tone
[Last updated on October 24, 2018]