<p>Brandeis is a non-sectarian school that embraces students from all types of backgrounds based on merit. This is highlighted by its illustrious alumni–e.g. nobel and pulitzer prize winners, international leaders and those accomplished in business, academia and the arts --so many of whom are not of Jewish backgrounds. The school has no religious affiliation, although it was founded and is well-funded signigicantly by the Jewish community. Its undergraduate student body of late is less than half Jewish. Its “International Business School” is decidely international in its academic focus and student body (> 50% international). There are numerous posts on this website that discuss its diversity. In contrast, BC, a fine school in its own right, is a sectarian, Catholic-Church sponsored institution–although I trust it does not screen its applicants for their religious backgrounds either. BC’s student body is predominantly Catholic and the school is known more for athletics than academics. </p>
<p>As for the Rose Museum issue (which has gotten national and international coverage because of Brandeis’s and the museum’s prestige), all college endowments have been impacted by the severe recession. Brandeis has just been more open (arguably too open) in trying to deal creatively with these issues without impacting the quality of its excellent education and, especially financial aid, i.e. putting people before things. Here’s a link to this past week’s Wall Street Journal article which explains that the museum is not closing and that a limited number of paintings might be sold if necessary to avoid any serious budget cuts. [Brandeis</a> Appears to Scale Back Plan to Sell Art - WSJ.com](<a href=“http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123578082183297943.html]Brandeis”>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123578082183297943.html)</p>