Reading that the percentages of black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian students has increased with the class of 2010 pleases and excites me. It is great to know that the demographics of our school are aligning themselves more and more with the demographics of our country.

What does not excite me is the administration's reasons why the numbers of minority students increased. Sure, the administration points to Marquette's commitment to diversity, attempt to increase financial aid and outreach programs, but it fails to mention other factors that influence these increases.

The administration's explanation seems to devalue these minority students' efforts and achievements. Its explanation makes it seem like the only reason there are more minority students is because Marquette has given more money to minorities or because Marquette is actively seeking a diverse student body. Its explanation should definitely point out the university's efforts, but perhaps it should also address the minority students by saying "You know what, minority students are working just as hard as their white peers to further their education and they are just as worthy of admission as their white peers."

I am white. I do not know, and never will know, what it is like to walk a college campus and have others assume I was accepted simply because I fulfill a university's "diversity goal." Minority students are not simply here because of Marquette's outreach and diversity commitments; they are here for many reasons, each as unique as the students themselves.

We ought to give credit where credit is due: to the minority students themselves. We ought to tell them that they are smart and talented and they bring more than just their races and ethnicities to this campus. I hope this is not the end of these increases. I hope that eventually, the student body of Marquette will be evenly divided among Blacks, Asians, Native Americans, Hispanics, and Whites.

Ali Fagnan is a sophomore in the College of Communication.