Feeling Confused About Marriage Proposal That Got Rejected for Ethnic Reasons

As-salamu alaykum everyone, My English isn't perfect, so sorry for any mistakes. I'm a young Muslim sister looking to get married-really hoping to strengthen my iman and avoid any haram situations. Someone from a different ethnic background (though we're both Muslims) expressed interest in marriage, so I approached my dad to set up a meeting between the families. Honestly, his refusal really confused me. He started by just asking about the brother's ethnic background, then outright said men from that country aren't good, without even knowing him. Then he brought up that I should finish my studies first-even though he's discussed marriage proposals with me when I was younger and didn't mention studies then! Lastly, he told me not to promise anything now, and even if this brother proposes again after my studies, I shouldn't accept. It's been on my mind non-stop. My intention is purely to marry for the sake of Allah and stay away from anything haram, but this has left me unsure. Plus, my dad has stopped helping financially at home (my mom handles things now). Do you think I should talk to an imam about this? Is it Islamically acceptable to reject a proposal just based on ethnicity? Jazakum Allahu khayran for any advice.