By: Negina Pirzad

Eugene and its surrounding areas are not the most diverse of places when looking at demographics by race/ethnicity. This region has a history of Caucasian-majority populations, even to the extreme of KKK groups settling here in the past.[1] However today, both Eugene and the University of Oregon have more diverse populations than ever before. There is still an 82 percent Caucasian population in the city[2], and 75 percent at UO[3], but it is a change. The small numbers of culturally diverse people here often celebrate their heritages through businesses and organizations like local grocery stores, restaurants, boutiques, and musical groups. Also at UO, there are cultural student groups that preserve foreign traditions and educate others about them. At the moment, these groups include the African Student Association, the Arab Student Union, and Kultura Pilipinas.[4]

Despite the increase in diversity, not all of Eugene and UO are supportive of a diverse Oregon. The local news has reported on several hate crimes that have created ethnic and racial conflicts in the Eugene/Springfield area. Many of these stories showed that racism is still alive here and non-Whites are not always welcome. Last October, one supposed white supremacist said, “This is where old hippies go to die, right? And [Eugeneans] honor diversity, so it’s time people can honor mine.”[5]