Latino Caucus Statement Applauding UC Merced Ranked 12th Most Diverse College in the Nation
SACRAMENTO - The University of California, Merced (UC Merced) is the country’s 12th most diverse college campus in the nation, according to the “Most Diverse Colleges” ranking release by BestColleges.com. The ranking published focuses on diversity as it is a fundamental element of higher education and beyond. Students who are exposed to a wide range of racial and ethnic groups throughout their college experience are better prepared for the diverse workforce, which they will enter upon graduation.
Following the release of the ranking, Assemblymember Luis Alejo (D-Salinas), Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, and Vice-Chair Senator Ben Hueso (D-San Diego), issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the Latino Caucus, it is with great distinction and honor that we recognize UC Merced for its outstanding achievement as the country’s 12th most diverse campus in the nation. Diversity on college campuses creates inclusiveness which then translates to a welcoming and inviting campus community where future scholars grow and young minds develop. When then Speaker of the State Assembly, Cruz Bustamante, expanded the University of California system to establish UC Merced, he did so on the premise of serving one of the most culturally rich regions in California, the Central Valley. While the campus has established itself as a leader in sustainability, we commend UC Merced for spearheading efforts to educate a diverse student body, of which 41 percent are Latino.”
California Lt. Governor (Ret.) Cruz Bustamante issued the following statement regarding the progress of UC Merced:
“I commend the University of California, Merced for its outstanding accomplishments. A UC campus in the Central Valley was but a dream for over 100 years. When the Latino Caucus led the founding of this campus, there was but a handful of leaders who believed in the incredible power of a UC campus in Merced. Today, the result is the UC system’s most diverse campus is welcoming the state’s fastest growing demographic, Latinos.”
In all, seven University of California campuses were included in the ranking: UC Merced (No. 12), UCLA (No. 28), UC Santa Cruz (No. 33), UC Riverside (No. 34), UC Santa Barbara (No. 37), UC Davis (No. 41) and UC Berkeley (No. 48).
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Contact: Michelle Reyes / (916) 319-2030 / Michelle.Reyes@asm.ca.gov