What makes a college truly inclusive?

Hi all! I'm looking at colleges right now, and I want to find ones that are really inclusive. What does inclusivity look like in a college? And does anyone know which colleges are known for being especially inclusive? And what should I be looking out for to figure out if a college is the real deal with inclusivity?

Inclusivity in a college extends beyond just the demographic breakdown of the student body. It's about the school's commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment, reflected in both policies and everyday student life.

An inclusive college takes deliberate steps to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds - be it race, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or other factors - feel valued and included. They foster a climate where every student feels free to express their views, and where diverse perspectives are respected and valued.

Look out for these signs of an inclusive school:

1. Diversity in School Policy: Does the college have strong anti-discrimination policies and resources? Look for institutions that have offices for diversity and inclusion, or programs that support underrepresented or marginalized students.

2. Diverse Student Body: Even though the diversity of the student body doesn't guarantee inclusivity, a diverse population is usually a good indicator of a school's commitment to drawing students from various backgrounds.

3. Diverse Faculty and Administrators: Check the backgrounds of the faculty. A diverse faculty increases the likelihood of different perspectives and can inspire students from diverse backgrounds.

4. Course offerings: Do they offer courses and majors that promote an understanding of different cultures, histories, and perspectives? A school committed to inclusivity will provide students the opportunities to educate themselves on diversity.

5. Financial Accessibility: Schools that provide significant financial aid or have policies like 'no-loan financial aid' ensure that students from different socioeconomic backgrounds have the opportunity to attend.

6. Sociocultural Organizations and Resources: Are there active clubs and organizations that cater to various cultural and social groups? Do they hold events that celebrate different cultures?

As for colleges best known for their inclusivity, the list tends to change regularly based on new initiatives and policies. However, some consistently high-ranking schools for inclusivity and diversity are Pomona College, Stanford University, and MIT, among others.

To dive deeper, look for anonymous review sites to hear from students directly about their experiences. Remember to consider the source and ensure they are credible, as this can sometimes be subjective information.