Diversity. What does it mean? What does it mean at the University? Why is it a topic of conversation in every dorm? Why have there been speakers about it at every turn? Why is it important? Is it important?
These are overwhelming questions. So let's take them one step at a time. Diversity, at the most basic level, means dissimilarity, a quality cherished at any university. Diversity means a difference in ideals, opinions, experiences, beliefs, etcetera. The differences are not intended to be divisive; rather, they are intended to expand and further develop students' skills and opinions.
With such an idealistic vision of diversity's intentions, it's easy to see why we need more of it: "increase diversity in this organization," or "recruit members from different backgrounds." An issue arises at the University when the terms 'diversity' and 'minority' become interchangeable.
On the one hand, working to increase 'diversity/minority involvement' is an honorable goal. Students should never feel as if they cannot be successful or pursue their interests because of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etcetera. However, it is difficult when in the act of pursuing such involvement, students feel marginalized, or as if they are held to lower standards because of what makes them diverse. Thus, it is extremely important to appreciate diversity, but it needs to be an all-encompassing diversity, with the recognition that a difference in race or gender does not necessarily indicate a difference in experience. This is something we all, as a university, are guilty of, whether we represent minority students, or not.
So, the question remains: how can we get to the point where we don't need to talk about diversity, where it becomes such a core part of our University experience that we don't even notice it anymore? The answer lies in the acknowledgment that our University is imperfect. There is a positive side to this
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