We Know It Matters, Let's Make it Happen

Maybe I'm assuming too much, but I would hope that administrators and student services professionals would have a fundamental knowledge of how much diversity matters (at least at a school where I would ever consider working!). In the conclusion of chapter 14, Racial Diversity Matters, the authors say their findings support previous work that suggest colleges will have more of an impact if they are clear in their goals of diversity and are able to prove they working towards it with policies, practices, ideals and communication (pg. 247). That is all well and good, but how...I think the main focus really needs to be on what we, as administrators and student services professionals can do to continuously facilitate and support programming driven towards achieving diversity.  But after having presented on Grutter v. Bollinger (the infamous affirmative action case) in my Higher Ed Law class, and now the sections Discourse of Action, and Discourse on Democracy (chapter 32) I am finding that I am having an ongoing dialogue within myself... I have never equated affirmative action with a reduction of standards, as was suggested in the reading, but more of an added bonus. Allowing students who were historically excluded to have a leg-up, per se.

Chapter 15 addresses how institutions can begin to address change at a structural level (this is also something we discussed in Dr. Lester's Organizational Administration course in fall 2009). Is is not just about admitting students, but its about faculty and staff as well....There needs to be more minorities in high level administration and faculty positions. This is all done in conjunction with making sure the campus environment is one where minorities feel welcome? Are there programs in place to make sure everyone feels they have an opportunity? While sometimes unpopular, the suggestion of group interactions (and having the faculty pick the groups) is one that I feel can really help to open barriers. I also am a fan of requiring some sort of cultural activity to be a part of the curriculum. Whether it be to go to a museum, attend a festival, or listen to a symposium, those added requirements will have an impact and open dialogue in the classroom.

Again, we all know it matters, so let's make it happen.