Mention diversity and the first thing that comes to mind for
many individuals is race. Even in areas of the country with
large numbers of Latinos, Asian Americans, and Native
Americans, the race paradigm is often perceived in terms of
“Black and White.” When diversity is engaged, is it primarily a
race issue with the possibility for other issues to be considered,
or is the discussion intended to include all areas of difference?
If higher education is committed to creating welcoming and
inclusive campus communities for all, that means everyone
across all races and cultures. Still, it is important to state clear
community and cultural standards and reinforce those standards when individuals join communities. Diversity often takes
a “we are the world” perspective. The underlying assumption is
that a level playing field exists, and that all people have the
same opportunities to achieve the American dream. This
perspective sees people as individuals, rather than as members
of groups with defined social identities.
Multiculturalism often takes differences in culture into
account. While still a race and ethnicity conversation, multiculturalism acknowledges different norms, values, rules, and
behaviors that are important to understand when engaging
individuals across cultures. This concept also assumes a level
playing field, but often lacks critical analyses of the prevailing
cultural norms, values, or ways of being. Additionally, this
encourages learning about the different “other”with very little
attention to learning about one’s self.
If institutions are to move beyond the diversity numbers
game, the dynamics of difference must be addressed. Social
justice requires an examination of self as well as others. It also
requires a look at group patterns and systematic processes that
