THE
Daily
MISSISSIPPIAN theDMonline.com
Thursday, March 6, 2025
University considers cap on freshman admissions
Volume 113, No. 21
UM assesses compliance with Department of Education’s DEI directive
CAMERON LARKIN News Editor
CHRISTIAN TOLLIVER / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Chancellor Glenn Boyce addresses ASB senators at their meeting on March 4.
AKAYLA HUGHES News Contributor
C
hancellor Glenn Boyce told the Associated Student Body in its formal Senate meeting on Tuesday, March 4, that the University of Mississippi is considering capping freshman admissions at 6,300 to 6,400 students. “The freshmen class next year is exploding again. The applica-
tions are up (to) over 40,000. We will probably land in the neighborhood of about 6,300 to 6,500 freshmen for next year,” Boyce said. “We are not slowing down, and there comes a time when we are going to have to cap and stop (accepting applicants). We will probably stop around that 6,300 to 6,400 mark.” The announcement comes after three consecutive years of increases in enrollment at the
university. In fall 2024, freshmen enrollment was 5,973 students, according to the university. Boyce did not give a time for when a cap would take effect. Boyce also talked about providing more on-campus housing options. In recent years, the university has accommodated the growing student population by housing freshmen and up-
SEE ADMISSIONS PAGE 2
The University of Mississippi has “taken steps” to meet the U.S. Department of Education’s Feb. 28 deadline to reassess diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and programs. In a Feb. 14 letter sent to educational institutions receiving federal funds, which led with the salutation “Dear Colleague,” the DOE called for reevaluation of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on the basis that they lead to discriminatory practices that violate Title VI of the 1946 Civil Rights act, which prohibits discrimination in institutions that receive federal funding. The letter indicated that universities had 14 days to take appropriate measures to assess compliance. “We have reviewed the ‘Dear Colleague’ letter, and the U.S. Department of Education’s recently released Frequently Asked Questions,” Jacob Batte, director of news
and media relations, said in an email statement to The Daily Mississippian on March 5. “The FAQs helped clarify the scope of the Dear Colleague Letter. We have taken steps to align the university’s strategic initiatives and will continue to review our programs and make adjustments if necessary. FAQs on the Department of Education’s website provide answers regarding the use of racial preferences and stereotypes in education. Some questions clarify Supreme Court decisions pertaining to admissions, equal protection and how the DOE will proceed with non-compliant institutions. Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum addressed the Department of Education’s 14-day notice in an email addressed to colleagues on Feb. 28. “We’ve worked closely with (Institutions of Higher Learning), state and federal leaders to understand the
SEE DEI PAGE 2
Lady Rebels take on Mississippi State in SEC Tournament LILY GREEN
Sports Staff Writer
Ole Miss Women’s Basketball is headed to Greenville, S.C., for the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Lady Rebels enter this year’s competition as the No. 7 seed and will face No. 10 Mississippi State today. Mississippi State beat Missouri in the first round of tournament play 75-55. This win marked the first postseason tournament win for Mississippi State Head Coach Sam Purcell. In the 2024 SEC Tournament, Ole Miss made it to the semifinals after defeating Florida in the first round. Ultimately, the Lady Rebels fell to LSU 75-67 and missed out on a spot in the SEC Championship game.
The Lady Rebels finished regular season competition at 19-9 overall and 10-6 in SEC play. Some of their notable wins this season include Top 10 wins over No. 8 Kentucky and No. 7 LSU. Ole Miss also clinched a Top 25 win against then No. 23 Vanderbilt. Following their Top 10 upset over LSU on March 2, head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin became the first coach in program history to achieve more than 10 conference wins in four consecutive seasons. This season, senior guard Madison Scott and senior forward Starr Jacobs have been standout leaders for Ole Miss. Scott led the team in points, averaging 11.9 per game. Scott also
SEE BASKETBALL PAGE 7
ALANA AKIL / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Madison Scott pulls up for a shot during a game against Oklahoma in the Pavilion on Feb. 6.