Frequently Asked Questions about Diversity
What is diversity anyway?
Many of us have heard that we live, learn, and work in a diverse and multicultural community. But what is diversity?
Some factors of diversity that you might recognize include:
- age
- culture
- ethnicity
- gender
- race
- religion
- sexual orientation
However, diversity is about more than this. Other factors that make us diverse include:
- abilities
- level of education
- family structure
- income
- membership in a community
- learning style
- marital status
- occupation
- and many more...
Simply put, each of us draws on our own heritage, family history, and life experiences to guide us in our daily lives. When we, as individuals, come together to form a community, we create a diverse environment.
Why should I pay attention to issues of diversity?
Diversity isn't just about some other group of people. We are all a part of diversity on campus, in the workplace, and in our community. This means that issues of diversity affect each and every one of us. Respecting and valuing diversity ensures that everyone is included, respected, and treated equally in a cooperative environment. In addition, our ability to work well in diverse settings is a competitive advantage in our schools, workplace, and community.
What are the advantages to being in a diverse community?
Diversity is an advantage in our schools, workplace, and community.
- We can achieve goals when people with different skills, interests, and ideas work together toward a common interest.
Just as there are different jobs in a given company, there are different people who enjoy each of these jobs and are well suited for them. No company could get by if they only hired one type of employee.
- Knowing about the diversity in our community enriches our lives.
The opportunity to explore different kinds of foods, music and cultures can be educational and fun. When was the last time that you went to the Asian Moon Festival, Fiesta Hispana, or Oktoberfest?
- When we understand and accept others, we can appreciate our own heritage, family history, and life experiences.
Learning about other people gives you an opportunity to find similarities and differences between your heritages.
What are the disadvantages to being in a diverse community?
Just as there are advantages to having diversity in your schools, workplace, and community, there can be disadvantages. When people with different skills, interests, and ideas come together in a setting where diversity is not understook or respected, instances of prejudice and discrimination can be counterproductive. This is why it is so important that we understand, respect, and value diversity. Our ability to work well in diverse settings is a competitive advantage in our schools, workplace, and community.
Don't programs like Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity already address issues of diversity?
Programs like Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity have done a great deal to reverse historical inequities for groups that have had difficulties achieving their academic and professional goals because of discrimination based on factors of diversity. However, while these programs may enlist diversity on campus and in the workplace, they do little to promote a positive environment where diversity is accepted and valued.
Does valuing diversity mean that I have to abandon my culture or my beliefs?
NO!
Creating an environment where diversity is valued means that your heritage, family history, and life experience is respected along with everyone else's.
What does valuing diversity mean for me?
Understanding and respecting diversity has benefits for everyone.
These benefits include:
- an increased understanding of your own heritage
- improved self-confidence
- enhanced relationships with others
- enjoyment in your life
- the ability to succeed in an increasingly diverse and multicultural world.
Valuing diversity does NOT mean that others get special treatment. Valuing diversity means that EVERYONE'S heritage and experiences are respected.
What can the Diversity Coordinator do for me?
The Diversity Coordinator is here to work with students and staff to promote knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of diversity on campus and in our communities.
The Diversity Coordinator can assist you in achieving your educational and professional goals by:
- Working with Student Services to coordinate the services that you need.
- Promoting diversity on campus through focused recruitment and retention efforts.
- Providing you with information about issues of diversity on campus and in the community.
- Responding to instances of discrimination and working to resolve.
Want to learn more about the diversity in your neighborhood?
