The Importance Of Diversity In Higher Education

Diversity is defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary as the quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas, etc. and the state of having people who are different races or who have different cultures in a group or organization (Merriam-Webster 's online dictionary, 1999). Diversity in higher education is represented by the diverse groups of faculty, staff and students that make up the college community, that include but are limited to race, ethnicity, and gender. Student affairs professionals with the guidance of executive staff, have the responsibility of providing an environment that is welcoming and promotes growth. Along with diversity, come the varied viewpoints and differences of options. Creating an environment conducive to what the world around us represents, provides a campus community with a foundation of experiences. These experiences encourage student growth, character development and mimic real life situations.
The effect diversity has on a campus is instrumental in setting the tone and culture for both its internal and external community. Culture is the “social fabric of community”, implying that as groups live and work together they develop distinctive “philosophies, ideologies, values, assumptions, beliefs, …show more content…
Campus departments that are unfamiliar with differences in culture, beliefs and standpoints effect the campus community as well. In areas where diversity is absent, forms of tension, harassment and isolation can harbor. Staff members who may not have experiences or had the opportunity to interact with someone with a different religious background, may not be sensitive to remarks or jokes that can be deemed inappropriate or offensive. Employees who feel isolated or unaccepted are more likely to have a negative effect on productivity. Having the ability to identify with colleagues, peers and supervisors is comparable to