Gonzalez added that he did not foresee an image problem stemming from Trueheart's and Sellers' resignations.

"The school's commitment to increasing minorities in the student body, faculty and administration will not falter because of this," said David Irons, director of external affairs.

Only 12 percent of the current MPA class are U.S. minorities, Trueheart said, adding that it was a "sharp drop" from last year's rate of 18 percent.

He attributed the drop to an increase in deferred admissions because of students' financial difficulties.

K-School officials said they expected minority admissions to jump for the coming year, partly as a result of a new recruitment brochure aimed at minority students.

The K-School this summer also hired two new Black assistant administrators as part of an ongoing attempt to increase its number of minority faculty.

Trueheart said he was optimistic the school would continue to make more minority appointments. "A school of government has to set a standard in that direction," he added