2008 Woodie Awards
SectionsOur View: Diversity improving, but we still have work to do
The Standard Editorial Board
Issue date: 11/13/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
Diversity is a major issue in this area and more specifically, on this campus. It has been for quite some time and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.
The administration has made it a point to strive for more diversity, especially in regard to incoming students. And with this most recent class of freshmen, they succeeded in increasing the percentage of minority students.
It's a victory, but they'll continue to work at achieving greater diversity because they understand it's important and will take time.
It's an ongoing battle, and we should expect to witness achievements and setbacks.
For example, the recent International Banquet featured food and performances from many cultures. And as usual, it was a success in the quest for diversity.
At the same time, a man named Ward Connerly is trying to end affirmative action at a few targeted locations, including Missouri State.
If he gets his way, this will be a setback in the quest for diversity.
Another setback is the change at Traffic nightclub. The owner says he felt pressure from the community, and even if that pressure wasn't racially motivated, it certainly created a scenario in which diversity of cultures was discouraged.
There will continue to be victories and losses, steps forward and back.
We can only hope for every step backward, there are at least two steps forward.
We can all strive to be part of the fight for diversity in our community and on our campus.
Along the way, we can enjoy individual victories like a more diverse freshmen class or successful celebration of cultures.
But we must also realize that there will need to be more.
The administration has made it a point to strive for more diversity, especially in regard to incoming students. And with this most recent class of freshmen, they succeeded in increasing the percentage of minority students.
It's a victory, but they'll continue to work at achieving greater diversity because they understand it's important and will take time.
It's an ongoing battle, and we should expect to witness achievements and setbacks.
For example, the recent International Banquet featured food and performances from many cultures. And as usual, it was a success in the quest for diversity.
At the same time, a man named Ward Connerly is trying to end affirmative action at a few targeted locations, including Missouri State.
If he gets his way, this will be a setback in the quest for diversity.
Another setback is the change at Traffic nightclub. The owner says he felt pressure from the community, and even if that pressure wasn't racially motivated, it certainly created a scenario in which diversity of cultures was discouraged.
There will continue to be victories and losses, steps forward and back.
We can only hope for every step backward, there are at least two steps forward.
We can all strive to be part of the fight for diversity in our community and on our campus.
Along the way, we can enjoy individual victories like a more diverse freshmen class or successful celebration of cultures.
But we must also realize that there will need to be more.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
phillip
posted 11/15/07 @ 10:35 AM CST
When did diversity become waht was needed on a college campus. I thought the emphasis was on learning and becoming accredited for a field. Diversity is fine and all, but thats what we have the internet for. (Continued…)
Adam
posted 11/15/07 @ 11:36 PM CST
Diversity is way overrated in college because it is mostly based on race. A student's race and ethnicity should not have anything to do with his or her education. (Continued…)
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