University theme semesters have been welcome forums to address and heighten awareness of serious issues facing students at the University and in the world at large. The last theme semester, which concentrated on the environment and all its issues, was a huge success. So it is with great promise that the University has designated diversity as the theme for the Winter 1999 semester. This theme semester should help generate discussion and thought on an important and controversial issue that all students at the University deal with.
In the past year, diversity, or rather the means the University uses to create a diverse student body, has been perhaps the most talked-about issue on campus. And in the midst of it, some ill will has been fostered. Students' conflicting views of programs such as affirmative action can lead to heated discussions and resentment.
The diversity theme semester can spread information about the University community's own conflicts regarding its admissions policies and also stress the reasons diversity is a necessary, beneficial aspect of today's world. The semester's goal should be to create more awareness of the issue, giving students the information they need to form their opinions.
The on-campus affirmative action debate definitely has left some students feeling lost. A great deal of information has come out in the past year, and numerous developments in the lawsuit have since occurred. Explaining such developments and what they mean to the University can be of great help to students concerned about the issue but not up-to-date on the current happenings.
One idea being considered for the semester is to have speakers and panel discussions on diversity. This should definitely be incorporated into the semester; because of the issue's controversial nature, many students may simply choose not to discuss diversity and its role at the University. Getting started can be the hardest part, and lecturers and dialogues can provide the spark.
Also, addressing diversity can help educate students about dealing with differing cultures and ethnicities. Students of all backgrounds encounter some measure of culture shock on campus, and obstacles such as language barriers can segment students who would otherwise interact. The diversity semester can help cultivate understanding between students at the University, and perhaps reduce the tendency for students to remain within their own comfort zones.
A further goal of the planned semester should be to prepare students for the diversity they will experience after they leave the University. Multiculturalism is a goal of virtually every institution, including big business. Students will need to be comfortable dealing with all sorts of backgrounds to compete in today's increasingly globalized society.
There is no doubt that diversity improves the University and the educational experience it provides to students. The myriad experiences, customs and religions that come together on campus mirror the diversity one encounters throughout life. Understanding the importance of diversity is the first step in adjusting to our multicultural world. And once people are comfortable with differing backgrounds, one less social limit exists.
08-03-98
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