MIT Reports Decline in Class Diversity

MIT's incoming freshman class for 2028 shows a sharp decline in diversity following the Supreme Court's 2023 decision to ban affirmative action in college admissions. The percentage of Black students has dropped from 15% to 5%, and Hispanic students from 16% to 11%, while Asian American representation increased from 40% to 47%. Overall, the share of students identifying as Black, Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Islander has fallen from 25% to 16%. MIT officials, including President Sally Kornbluth and Dean of Admissions Stu Schmill, expressed concern over the reduced racial and ethnic diversity but affirmed the academic excellence of the new class. The university is looking into new initiatives to attract a diverse range of students through means other than race-based admissions.