Nine of 19 states reported that the proportion of black freshmen on public campuses declined between 1991 and 1996. Two states saw no change. The study cited public apathy and adverse court decisions as factors undermining states' efforts to boost minority enrollment. States such as North Carolina and West Virginia reported almost no change. Other states improved only slightly.
Blacks are under-represented in high school courses designed to prepare students for college.
Though black students represent 18 percent of high school graduates, they represent only 5.7 percent of all advanced placement, high school courses. Only five states reported more than 10 percent black representation among full-time, higher education faculty in 1996. The numbers are disappointing and not surprising, said Robert Kronley, the study's author. Kronley also said states are less likely to improve minority enrollment in institutions of higher education until they become more comprehensive in their approach, preparing students for college as soon as they reach preschool. He urged campuses to create more programs that help minority students remain in college and finish their degrees, and to provide more need-based financial aid.