<p>Hello! I'm interested in attending either of these institutions, and whether I get into both or not, I'd like to know in advance just how diverse each college is? I've heard that Pomona is overall pretty diverse and accepting despite the student body consisting mostly of high middle-upper class Whites. While Occidental claims to be diverse, I know that there are tensions underlying this claim with things like professors cutting off PoC over Whites during class, certain teachers going under-represented because they are colored, etc. However, I do know that there are programs in Occidental that are very active in striving to make diversity more accepted. I'd like to know the general attitudes towards other races in these colleges, any centers for helping certain minorities, and how diversity factors into your daily college life? Are PoC properly represented and/or respected? What clubs exist to extend diversity representation? Faced any discrimination or racist remarks yourself as a PoC in either of these colleges? Has the issue become better or worse throughout your attendance at the schools?</p>
<p>This is a rather important aspect for me when choosing colleges as I am a Hispanic female. I have always lived in southern Florida so I have never faced racism first-hand. And while I know that racism exists everywhere, I want to attend a college that has a generally accepting attitude towards my race as well as other races so that I can fully enjoy my college experience. </p>
<p>Also, if anyone can recommend on the side which of the two colleges has the best Theater program, that would be lovely. Thank you in advance!</p>
<p>Hi nrnr29, I’m an intern for the Office of Admission at Oxy and a sophomore here. U.S. News ranks Occidental fourth in diversity among nationally ranked liberal arts colleges (placing Oxy ahead of Pomona in this respect). </p>
<p>Regarding your concerns of underlying racial tensions, I know many, many faculty and students (including myself) who passionately care about racial equity on campus. This is why you, a prospective student, have even heard about these tensions in the first place. I am proud to say that my fellow students are so actively engaged in such issues to have formed organizations committed to equity on campus. It’s only because of these organizations’ work that there are discussions around representation at Oxy that weren’t happening before. </p>
<p>For my own personal experience: diversity factors heavily into my daily life. Almost all of my friends at Oxy are an ethnicity other than my own, and my college experience would be entirely different without them. While I’m unable to answer all of your questions because I cannot speak for anyone’s experience but my own - I really believe this is overall a campus of caring, sincere people. There are a variety of student organizations and clubs for specific cultures that can be a source of solidarity or comfort for students. If you are especially interested in working to extend diversity on campus you should look into joining CODE, a student organization that addresses many of these very issues. </p>
<p>I hope my answers have offered some help to you in addressing such a large and complex concern. </p>
<p>And yes, we do have a thriving theater program </p>
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