Illinois Academic Senate backs push to increase diversity

URBANA, Ill. (AP) - The University of Illinois' Academic Senate is endorsing a push to increase the number of black students enrolled in the school.

A resolution approved 68-9 called for pursuing "sustained increases" in enrollment of black students and other underrepresented groups. The other groups are Native Americans, Latinos and first-generation students.

A coalition of black student groups recently proposed an increase in the number of black freshmen to 1,000 over a four-year period, starting in 2017-18. Last fall, the campus enrolled 548 black freshmen, fewer than the number brought in 50 years ago.

After the senate session on Monday, Chancellor Robert Jones said students could help recruit more black students and persuade those who are admitted to attend the university. He said about 1,200 students were admitted for the current school year.

___

Information from: The News-Gazette, http://www.news-gazette.com