<p>i'm from a really liberal school in california and involved with social justice, and was concerned about vanderbilt because of how conservative i hear it is.. it also seems not to be diverse ethnically at all, looking at stats.. can anyone talk about these concerns? thanks!</p>
<p>I'm a liberal and I'm surviving! Yes, there are a healthy number of conservatives here. Personally, I tend to keep my views to myself and don't really discuss politics with my friends anyway, so I never really notice. We do have a Vanderbilt Democrats group where you could certainly find people with your similar views. I've heard the campus is actually around 50/50 as far as liberal conservative, but I'm not sure how accurate that is. As far as ethnic diversity, no it's not the most diverse school out there, but I'm from an all-white town so it's pretty diverse for me! I have friends of all different races and backgrounds, which I think is great. Vandy has a reputation for being "cliquey," but it's not like every group puts up barriers that are impossible to break through.</p>
<p>I think there's a healthy contingent of social activists on campus. Just look at the recent successful movement to institute a living wage for all employees.</p>
<p>we were there for the last presidential election on the Vandy campus. The students voted 50% for Bush and 50% for Kerry. Al Gore lives a couple miles away and is a grad of the law and divinity school. Stats show Vandy has more conservative voters than perhaps other top ten schools but it is very diverse nevertheless. Grad schools are also very diverse. Do not underestimate the value of a college in a state capitol. I did many rotations in social service agencies based in Nashville and the intern options are excellent in many fields. Just because a segment of Vandy students are from prosperous families does not mean they are not service oriented and participants in the city around them--Vandy students do a great deal of public service work in all areas. Nashville is a very cool city..lived their twice and spouse has a Vandy law degree. Also lived in Los Angeles once. Vandy is changing rapidly to a shift toward national rather than regional great..come if you want to be part of the change. Nashville is a very friendly city.</p>