Racism on California college campus sparks calls for action
# **Pomona College Under Fire: A Pattern of Racism Leaves Black Students Demanding Action**
## **A Campus Once Seen as a Haven, Now a Site of Growing Tensions**
*Claremont, CA* — Pomona College, renowned for its elite liberal arts programs and idyllic palm-lined campus, now finds itself at the center of a mounting crisis. Over the past year, a series of racially charged incidents has exposed deep-seated issues within the institution, sparking outrage among Black students and allies.
From racial slurs hurled at athletic events to offensive costume parties and the vandalism of a Black student lounge, the incidents paint a troubling picture—not as isolated events, but as part of a disturbing pattern. Adding fuel to the fire, a professor’s use of a racial slur in class and racist posts on the anonymous app *Fizz* have intensified concerns about the college’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
Black students describe their experiences as a relentless cycle of ignorance and indifference. Many express frustration that, despite the presence of Black administrators, the institution has failed to take adequate action. The Black Student Union’s recent viral Instagram video underscored these frustrations, accusing the college of systemic neglect.
> *"I thought moving to California from Indiana would mean less overt racism,"* said one student. *"Instead, I found myself facing the same ignorance in a new place."*
## **Administrators Take Note—But Are the Steps Enough?**
Pomona College has acknowledged the incidents, launching investigations and pledging to expand anti-bias training. Administrators claim they’re collaborating with nearby institutions to promote inclusion. Yet, students remain skeptical, arguing that these measures fall short of addressing the root of the problem.
Their demands? An independent office to handle bias complaints and greater transparency in investigations. Some faculty members have lent their support, with an Africana studies professor calling student activism "meaningful and positive" for fostering a more just campus.
Still, frustration lingers.
"We shouldn’t have to wait for change," said one student. "The time for action is now."
A Broader Crisis in Higher Education
Pomona’s situation reflects a troubling trend in academia. Since the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling banning race-conscious admissions, some colleges have seen a sharp decline in Black student enrollment. At Pomona, the Black student population dropped from 13.5% in 2022 to just 5% in 2024—though officials note that reporting changes complicate comparisons.
For Black students at Pomona, the message is clear: change must come swiftly. While some meetings with college leaders have sparked cautious optimism, they emphasize that talk alone is insufficient. Racism, they argue, isn’t just a Pomona problem—it’s a societal issue that institutions must confront without delay.
The Road Ahead: Will Words Turn to Change?
As Pomona grapples with these challenges, the question remains: Can an institution built on prestige and tradition truly reckon with its failures?
For Black students, the answer must be yes. Because inaction is not an option.
