There is some debate as to whether the racial and ethnic population of UMass Amherst is reflective of the Massachusetts population. Usually, the general response is that someone would show statewide population statistics and argue that though there may be some “small” gaps between non-white groups, UMass Amherst is less white than Massachusetts as a whole, and thus the argument that UMass has a significant diversity problem is declared moot.
However, though certainly in no way does the presentation of statewide data make raising concerns about UMass’ (lack of) diversity “moot”, perhaps a better way to illustrate UMass’ race/ethnicity gaps is to look at the Massachusetts population for 18–24 year olds who would be the most likely age cohort to enroll at UMass Amherst.
While the white population at UMass Amherst is at 71%, Massachusetts-wide the proportion increases to 74% (+3%). Yet, when compared with 18–24 year olds, the white population falls to 67% (-4%) which suggests that there does exist a notable surplus of white students. So, arguing that the campus is less white then Massachusetts is claimed on questionable grounds.
For the Hispanic/Latinx population things get a little complicated. While there exists a clear two percent gap between UMass Amherst and Massachusetts, at first glance of the graph…
