Katherine Mangan, a senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education, discusses the striking 19% decline in white student enrollment since 2018. She highlights overlooked aspects of this trend within the context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Mangan explores changing perceptions of education's value, particularly among affluent white students who are opting for trade skills over college. She also shares insights into the experiences of conservative students feeling unwelcome in the college environment, leading to alternative educational choices.