Although the number of scholars from minority groups has increased markedly in the past decade, some experts expected the numbers would be even higher by now.
Jacqueline R. Scott, an associate professor of philosophy at Loyola U. Chicago, sees applications to race theory in her study of Nietzsche. She is one of only a few black, female philosophy professors. (Photograph by Ralf-Finn Hestoft)

• DATABASE: The race and ethnicity of faculty members at 2,700 colleges, with the total percentage of minority professors at each campus.
• THE BROWN BAG: Desdemona Cardoza, provost and vice president for academic affairs at California State University at Los Angeles, will answer your questions about how colleges can improve their recruiting of minority faculty members, on Thursday, October 25, at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time.

Fewer than 30 black women hold full-time jobs in philosophy departments, but the number has inched up in recent years.

Some evangelical professors say they are discriminated against, but others ask whether that is because of faith — or politics.

Many gay and lesbian academics say a lack of health insurance for partners remains a major issue, even though outright discrimination has faded.

The college-guide market has exploded, with books and rankings that cater to students of all ethnic origins, faiths, and interests.

Some colleges are working to keep American Indian languages from becoming a lost part of history.

To infer anything about a person's character or sensibility on the basis of physical racial characteristics is legally suspect. Yet that is what "diversity hiring" practices require us to do, writes Jennifer Delton.

Hiring foreign scholars in the name of diversity does little to help the education of minority youth in the United States, says Richard A. Tapia.

James A. Anderson says campus leaders need to consider eight key points if they intend to stay true to their commitment to diversity.

Elite colleges must do more to help low-income students succeed, writes Julio Alves.

Two minority students write about their perspectives on diversity after taking part in exchange programs.

• IN SEARCH OF the True Meaning of Diversity on Campuses
• SEEING 2 COLLEGES Through a New Lens

The perspectives of single academics need to be brought more directly into teaching and scholarship, write Bella DePaulo, Rachel F. Moran, and E. Kay Trimberger.

Although female undergraduates may seem to be outpacing men, they still face many obstacles on campuses, writes Linda J. Sax.

• A 'WICKED PROBLEM': The top leadership of most colleges remains overwhelmingly white and male. Mickey L. Burnim, Patricia Digh, and Laura Skandera Trombley debate what can be done to diversify the executive suite.