In response to recent events, diversity appears to be at the top of the agenda for leaders in many industries. Higher education institutions are now amongst the many organizations embracing the sad reality that diversity or lack thereof is a real issue.
All too often, common myths and misconceptions hold us back from experiencing more fulfilling lives. To embrace diversity and inclusion and its benefits, we must first look at common terminology often misinterpreted.
Diversity refers to recognizing, respecting, and valuing differences in individuals and groups.
Inclusion, however, focuses on an individual's experience within their workplace and society and the extent to which that individual feels valued and included.
"Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard." -Liz Fosslien
Depriving individuals due to hidden bias based on an individual's race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexuality, age, religion, mental/physical disabilities, and ethnicity has plagued our nation for far too long. We must understand why enforcing practices that do not serve the needs of all citizens is an illusion of inclusion and can no longer be overlooked. It is time for us to take a hard look at some of the reasons why higher education institutions are making this a priority.
Diversity enriches the educational experience.
It strengthens communities and workplaces. Education within a diverse setting prepares students to become good citizens in a society that is becoming more complex and more culturally diverse. It fosters mutual respect and the ability to work as a team with people who see the world differently than you. It helps build communities that judge its members by the quality of their character and contributions.
Diversity in higher education improves communication and thought processing skills.
Diverse university communities open all students to various perspectives. These communities incite more robust critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing skills. According to the Center for American Progress, research shows that these experiences enable students to learn to communicate more effectively and often differently than they are previously accustomed to.
Diversity prepares students for future career success.
Today's diverse workforce requires sensitivity towards human differences and awareness. By experiencing diversity in college, you lay the groundwork for interacting with individuals with differing experiences and cultural backgrounds. It challenges stereotyped preconceptions, which promotes personal growth and a healthy society. Employers seek candidates that can view issues and problems from multiple angles and vantage points, which diverse experiences provide.
Diversity increases positive learning outcomes.
Diversity must start from the top down. Colleges must share the belief that a more diverse executive leadership team, staff, faculty, curriculum, and student body are essential to fulfill their mission on diversity and provide a high-quality education experience. ABC News' data team found when racial disparity was present in schools, it resulted in students feeling isolated and discouraged to continue their education, affecting graduation and retention rates.
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”- Martin Luther King, Jr.
We learn most from those whose personal beliefs, life experiences, and perspectives are different from our own. Knowledge is a crucial step before understanding, accepting, and appreciating. The important work starts with ourselves, our level of openness, our awareness, and facts on diversity.
Here are four tips on how you can become more diverse, inclusive, and open:
1. Educate yourself.
Read books and articles on other races, cultures, genders, religions, etc., to learn about those unlike you.
Listen to interviews, podcasts, and stories of those whose views are different than yours.
Watch movies and shows that depict lifestyles that are unfamiliar to you.
Enroll in a class that may be outside of your comfort zone.
Follow Instagram accounts, YouTubers, bloggers, etc., to help better understand marginalization, discrimination, and exclusion.
2. Evaluate your circle.
Does your circle of friends and family reflect the larger society? If not, start attending festivals. Join an organization, club, community, or social media group that brings diverse individuals together. Visit museums that may enrich your knowledge of a culture or group that may challenge your assumptions. These experiences open the door for you to befriend people of different ages, races, gender, etc.
3. Address your own implicit biases and hold yourself accountable.
You can’t help your upbringing or fault yourself for the implicit biases that have been ingrained in us by society. Still, you can educate yourself and change your conversation to result in inclusivity.
4. Be aware of your privileges.
Talking about privileges can often be challenging and very uncomfortable. However, this is critical to shifting our attitudes to become more inclusive. We must acknowledge how these systems of privilege work and where we position ourselves within them. According to the same system, consider the impact on individuals situated in less privileged positions. We must ensure all voices are represented and heard.
Richly diverse intellectual and social environments are the cornerstones of improving our society and economy. The diversity we seek and the future of our nation depends on colleges and universities continuing to make conscious efforts to build diverse and inclusive learning environments. As we strive to develop a national community, it is all of our responsibility to better prepare for being sensitive and appreciative of various ethnicities, cultures, and identities. We must not forget the value of our education goes beyond the number of degrees we obtain. It's time we make a difference and be the difference.