SLO County is different. Graphic courtesy of freshman reporter Aidan Field.

  San Luis Obispo High School prides itself on accepting people of many different backgrounds. However, this is often undermined by the fact that San Luis Obispo has much less diversity in comparison to the state. This lack of diversity in SLO affects students and teachers alike. It also impacts the education that students receive. 

  “I think the lack of diversity perpetuates the marginalization of underrepresented students. Students from underrepresented groups can often be pushed to the margins and experience isolation when they do not feel like they have representation on campus, or when they feel like they do not belong,” said Mexa-Club adviser and Algebra teacher Maria Ramirez-Camacho. 

  There isn’t one definitive answer to why SLO and SLOHS lack diversity. The 2020 census’ demographics show that SLO county is more than 67 percent white. This stands out starkly in comparison to the state which has a white population of around 35 percent. Our state also has an Asian population of around 16 percent, while SLO county is only 4.9 percent Asian. 

  This trend of minorities having much smaller populations in SLO is reflected across many different groups. 

  There are many different reasons behind this. Smaller cities and towns usually tend to be much more white. It’s also important to note that San Luis Obispo has a very high price of living meaning that demographics with more money are more likely to settle here. 

  Another reason behind SLO’s lack of diversity might stem from Cal Poly. Many people who go to Cal -Poly end up staying in San Luis Obispo after college. 

  Cal -Poly is the only predominantly white CSU. Cal Poly also has the lowest percentage of first generation students. Cal Poly is also known for agriculture, a field also known for lacking diversity.

 Cal Poly has had some race-relations friction, such as black-face incidents. Such events may deter people of certain backgrounds from coming to Cal Poly and in turn coming to live in San Luis Obispo. 

  Learning about different people and backgrounds is an important part of the high school experience. For now students at SLOHS have to find ways to overcome this barrier. Our lack of diversity isn’t something you have to be ashamed of, but it is something that should be acknowledged.

Sources:census.gov,mustangnews.net