Linking Diversity with Education

“The greatest challenge facing Americans is to accept and take pride in defining ourselves as a multiracial democracy.”

-President Bill Clinton, 1998-

The issue of race is always a sensitive topic. In the not too distant past, segregation still existed and all citizens were not treated equally. Today, many political candidates are answering questions concerning immigration. Political and social issues involving race are a hot topic as our nation becomes increasingly more diverse. At Allegheny College, there is an initiative to promote more diversity on campus, and attract students from various racial, economic, and religious communities. Allegheny College has a vision of preparing its students to be educated citizens in today’s multicultural society. As Sylvia Hurtado’s article states, our goal, and the goal of Allegheny College’s diversity program, should be “. . . to achieve a vision of the pluralistic democracy we aspire to become.” Linking diversity with education not only provides important educational benefits, but it helps today’s college students to become better citizens in the evolving multicultural society.

I was raised in a middle-class suburban neighborhood that, similar to Allegheny College, was mostly white. I also went to a high school that was about 95% white. Racial diversity, therefore, has never really been present in my life. The most diversity I ever experienced was when I played in basketball tournaments in the city. I now know that this lack of racial diversity in my life has caused me to be less active in civic missions and projects. We have read articles in this class that have shown proof of this relationship. Citizens that participate in diverse groups or organizations tend to be more socially and civically active. Many issues in our world today are influenced by some racial factors. Not to stereotype, but statistics show that poverty, crime, and lack of education are more common problems for minorities. Citizens that participate in diversity are aware of this and are more engaged in finding solutions to these problems. As I have said before, where I grew up, poverty, crime, and education were not problems I saw on a daily basis. However, it is important to recognize that these problems do exist. Diversity education is the first step to identifying these problems and working towards a solution.

Hurtado’s article also notes that by the year 2050, approximately half of the U.S. population will be represented by minorities. It is therefore important for young citizens today to learn how to collaborate in the evolving multicultural society. While Allegheny College may not be very diverse, I can at least admit that they are taking steps to rectify that problem. Allegheny’s new advertising campaign focuses on diversity and “unusual combinations” in hopes of attracting students from diverse communities. As a former Resident Advisor, part of my training was heavily focused on promoting diversity on my hall and in the community. In fact, I was required to put together at least one program each semester that involved diversity education. This was beneficial because it allowed me to become more educated on diversity issues, as well as allowing me to socialize with students and educators from different racial, economic, or religious communities. Allegheny College has helped educate me on working with citizens from different backgrounds, and that is something that is very important in today’s increasingly diverse society.

I know Allegheny takes a lot of criticism for not instituting the best policies and programs, but I legitimately feel that they are trying. In the four years I have been at Allegheny, there have been some changes to become a more diverse campus. The problem is that the changes have not been enough. Today’s college students need diversity as a part of their education to fully reach their potential as engaged, active, informed citizens. We have seen proof that linking diversity with education produces more civically engaged citizens. It is time that everyone becomes a more responsible citizen and participates in diversity education. This is the only way that we can achieve our ultimate goal of a more equal and diverse democracy.