Tulane University: Evolving Towards Inclusivity

Tulane University, a private research university in New Orleans, Louisiana, has a rich history dating back to its founding as the Medical College of Louisiana in 1834. Over the years, it has transformed from a medical school to a comprehensive university and, more recently, has begun to address issues of diversity and inclusion on its campus. While college campuses are becoming increasingly diverse, many students of color at historically white colleges and universities feel that these institutions need to do more to create a welcoming environment, both on campus and within the curriculum. Tulane University has taken steps to address these concerns, making learning about race a requirement for its students.

A Student's Perspective

Abi Mbaye, the daughter of Senegalese immigrants, always dreamed of attending Tulane University. However, once she arrived on campus, her dream evolved as she noticed racial inequities. As one of a small number of Black students on Tulane’s predominantly white campus, Mbaye observed that many of the service staff were Black, while the students they served were primarily white.

Mbaye's experience is not unique. Many students of color attending historically white colleges and universities report feeling unwelcome and marginalized. These feelings can stem from a lack of representation in the student body and faculty, as well as a curriculum that does not adequately address issues of race and diversity.

One day, the racial dynamic in the cafeteria became so overwhelming for Mbaye that she had to leave. Further exacerbating the situation, racist comments began appearing on a campus gossip platform, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty. Although the anonymity of the posts made it impossible to confirm whether they were indeed written by Tulane students, the comments sparked widespread conversations about race on campus.

Addressing the Issues

In response to student concerns, Tulane University initiated a commission on race and inclusion. Furthermore, the university has implemented a new requirement that students take courses addressing race and inclusion. History professor Laura Rosanne Adderley, who teaches Early African-American History, believes this requirement is essential. She argues that students need to develop tools to critically examine questions of race and inclusion, beyond what they might encounter casually online or on television.

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Freshman Gabe Darley, who is white and from Chicago, acknowledges that while he would prefer that students make the choice to learn about race and inclusion on their own, a requirement ensures that everyone engages with these important issues. Mbaye believes the new requirement will promote understanding among students from different racial backgrounds and is a necessary component of a world-class education at an expensive institution like Tulane.

The Importance of HBCUs in Louisiana

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Louisiana play a crucial role in providing a supportive learning environment for Black and African American students. These institutions offer a unique campus culture that fosters a sense of belonging and community. Louisiana is home to six HBCUs, including:

Southern University (Baton Rouge)
Xavier University of Louisiana (New Orleans)
Dillard University (New Orleans)
Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO)
Grambling State University (Grambling)
Southern University Law Center (Baton Rouge)

These HBCUs offer a variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities, with admissions requirements and academic expectations similar to those of other top schools in Louisiana.

Tulane's Commitment to Diversity

While Tulane is not an HBCU, the university has taken steps to create a more inclusive environment for its students. The Tulane National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) serves as the coordinating body for the "Divine Nine" Greek organizations on campus. The NPHC plots, a unified stone structure representing the power of unity within NPHC, symbolize these organizations and feature their founding dates, chartering dates, missions, and official shields.

In addition to the new course requirement, Tulane offers programs like the Turning the Tide Scholars Residential Learning Community (RLC). This program prepares students to become intercultural leaders who foster harmony, dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving. The RLC is open to all first-year students and focuses on developing skills in intercultural dialogue, critical reasoning, and community building.

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Challenges and Future Directions

Despite these efforts, Tulane still faces challenges in creating a truly inclusive environment. Mbaye points out that the university needs to focus on recruiting more Black students. Less than four percent of the incoming freshman class last year was Black.

Tulane University's journey towards inclusivity is ongoing. By acknowledging its past, addressing present challenges, and investing in programs that promote diversity and understanding, Tulane can create a more welcoming and equitable environment for all its students. This includes the recruitment and retention of Black students, the diversification of faculty, and the continued development of a curriculum that reflects the rich diversity of human experience.

A Look at Tulane's History and Campus

Founded as the Medical College of Louisiana in 1834, Tulane became a public university known as the University of Louisiana in 1847. It transitioned to a private institution in 1884, thanks to endowments from Paul Tulane and Josephine Louise Newcomb. The university's history is marked by periods of growth and challenges, including closures during the Civil War and Hurricane Katrina.

Tulane's primary campus is located in Uptown New Orleans on St. Charles Avenue, opposite Audubon Park. The campus features a mix of architectural styles and is known for its live oak trees and historic buildings. Over the years, Tulane has expanded and renovated its facilities, including the addition of new residence halls, academic buildings, and recreational spaces.

Academic and Research Excellence

Tulane University is organized into 10 schools, offering a wide range of academic programs in liberal arts, sciences, and specialized professions. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities, recognizing its leading research status.

Tulane's schools include:

Newcomb-Tulane College (for all undergraduate students)
School of Architecture
A.B. Freeman School of Business
Tulane University Law School
School of Medicine
School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
School of Science and Engineering
School of Liberal Arts
School of Social Work
University College (for continuing education)

Student Life and Activities

Tulane University offers a vibrant student life with a wide range of activities and organizations. Students can participate in Greek life, student government, cultural organizations, and community service initiatives. The university also has a strong athletic program, with the Tulane Green Wave competing in NCAA Division I.

Desegregation and Black Graduates

Tulane University's journey towards desegregation was a significant chapter in its history. Black graduates from some of Tulane's earliest desegregated classes gathered for a panel on Oct. 20 in Jones Hall to recount their time in such a fraught, yet groundbreaking, period in the university’s history. Deirdre Labat, class of ‘66, was the first African American woman to attend class on Tulane’s campus at only 17 years old. Edwin Lombard, class of ‘67, spoke of a similar sense of isolation from white students. Harold Sylvester was the first Black student to receive an athletic scholarship to Tulane, where he would come to play basketball and join the theatre department. Pearlie Elloie, was a part of the original suit to desegregate Tulane and attended the Tulane University School of Social Work with 10 other Black students before graduating in 1965. These early Black graduates went on to make significant contributions to their fields, paving the way for future generations of Black students at Tulane.

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