I heard this from a friend...

FLVADAD
Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:07:14 +0000

Well said nefarious. I think your comments regarding the racial climate at W&L are accurate. It is evident there have been significant changes at W&L for the better. As you said, if people come in looking for problems, if they are hypersensitive, they will likely find things to interpret in a way to fit their expectations. However, for the most part, W&L is really mischaracterized – mostly by those with no direct experience. In fact, I see far worse conditions at schools where this type of issue is seldom raised by prospectives.

Unfortunately, word gets out slowly. People resist the idea that a place like W&L can be anything other than intolerant. I have encountered few people outside W&L who will even entertain the concept that it has something to offer minority students. They are completely wrong, but old stereotypes die hard.

I think that is one of the biggest PR challenges W&L faces these days.