<p>Hey guys, so I am an Asian American living in Southern California. I'm a senior in high school and during my last minute college search, stumbled upon Ole Miss for a possible school. Initially, I was excited to apply seeing the pictures of the beautiful campus, and so on. However, the more I hear about the school the more I am thinking about not applying (racism, discrimination, etc). I don't mind that the school is dominated by whites; my high school is the same with 80% whites. Everyone who knows me always joke about me being "more white than the average white person", so I'm not worried about fitting in. However, will my asian looks prevent me from meeting friends before we have the chance to know each other? I also want to rush a sorority. </p>
<p>My daughter will be a freshman in the fall and is from Michigan. Campus diversity is very important to her. On our campus tour this past spring, we saw students from a very diverse group of ethnic backgrounds - black, white, Asian, Middle Eastern, etc. We were extremely pleased. </p>
<p>She spent the summer at Ole Miss at Summer College for High School Students taking classes with both other high schoolers and college students and experienced a very positive atmosphere. Students made friends very quickly. </p>
<p>Her opinion is that racism and discrimination exist on all campuses. Ole Miss addresses issues openly with events like Racial Reconciliation Week or the work done by the Winter Institute. </p>
<p>I would urge you to apply and visit campus to see for yourself.</p>
<p>My Asian American son is at University of Alabama where AAs are 2% of students. He has had no problems and is pledging a fraternity. The perception that the South discriminates against minorities is very outdated, and I think race relations in the South is better than in most parts of the US. You have to visit the campus to see for yourself.</p>
<p>I am in the same ballpark as the above poster. Ole Miss is diverse and you will be fine there. </p>
<p>We’re from So Cal as well. My wife is Asian and my son is half Asian and started at Ole Miss in September. We have been on campus twice and everyone was very friendly. We had black students and white students say hello, open doors for us, offer to help carry things to my son’s dorm, etc. My theory is that Ole Miss is so burdened with racial baggage from the past, that people go out of their way to prove they’re not racist. </p>
<p>My son is very content and has not had any problems. For what it’s worth, during orientation we saw quite a few international students from China, who all seemed to be enjoying themselves. My wife and I love the place and definitely recommend it. </p>
<p>A little history and hopefully some insight. I am Asian and enrolled as a freshman in 1980. Did not see any Asians in sororities that year. A couple of years later, there was an Asian girl that pledged. My sister (10 years younger) enrolled and was invited to join a sorority. </p>
<p>Took a campus tour a couple of years ago. “Rush” is now 8 weeks into the fall semester as opposed to being the week prior to the start, so you have an opportunity to meet other people and determine if you want to participate in Greek Life. </p>
<p>While I was there, an organization for Chinese Americans developed. I do not know if it is still active. I understand that the University is developing a department for Diversity and Inclusion which is currently part of another area (Is it Student Affairs? Would need to check). </p>
<p>Good Luck and let us know what you decide! I have relatives enrolled there and some considering going there.</p>