Latinos are now the largest minority group at four-year colleges in the U.S., according to analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by the Pew Hispanic Center, and that means big changes on campuses across the country.
While Latinos have long dominated various educational institutions, especially cosmetology schools and East L.A. College, the influx of brown students has already had an affect on traditional university life.
Some colleges have considered updating the cap and gown, replacing them with sombreros and serapes from Mexico, and the Ivy League has floated a new name, “The Cilantro League,” for use if the Ancient Eight ever starts admitting more than 260 Latinos a year.
Racially-insensitive Native-American football mascots will gradually be eliminated. At Eastern Virginia University the Squawhumpers will now be known as the Pastyfaces, but the San Diego State Aztecs will remain the same, as will the Eastern Florida University Overly-Gesturing Cubans.
Student Health now covers Santeria, and University Health Clinics will begin offering over-the-counter 7UP and Vicks Vaporub. In cafeterias and residence halls, however, the food choices will remain as bland as ever. Stores in college towns will begin offering Hispanic-style Top Ramen, also known as “fideo.”
Fraternity/sorority “rush” has been renamed “get here when you can,” and Spring Break won’t be in Mexico anymore since it’s hard to party topless with your abuelita poolside.
Hacky-Sack popularity has been surpassed by a new game called “Futbol.”
Some traditional Latin nomenclature has been replaced; some school anthems are now referred to as Alma Madres, alumni are OGs and at some schools, top honors grads now matriculate Con Leche instead of Cum Laude.
And on the academic front, most universities will expand their Mexican-American Studies departments to a second room in the basement.
