Diversity (Ann Speaking)
				Source		MAIN PATH: Malik
				Fred		Malik

OK. I see what you mean. But there are still lots of benefits to increasing the diversity of our schools.

The graduates of our colleges, and especially our professional schools, are going to live in a very complex society that includes a mix of ethnic and racial groups. Immigration to the US has become very diverse. We have to understand and communicate with more people from Asia and Latin America. Whites and blacks have to learn to work with each other in non-traditional roles. Men and women have to do the same. If our colleges are going to prepare students for the real world, they must diversify their student bodies and faculties.

As far as faculty is concerned, there are some important benefits from greater diversity. We've already mentioned the value of role models in general, but it's worth mentioning again. Black teachers can supply a role model that may be missing. So can women. Even more important, blacks and women on faculties can offer what Lawrence Thomas has called "intellectual affirmation" to some students who would not receive it from white male professors. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that black students must have black teachers. But I agree with Thomas that sometimes diversity leads to greater mutual trust and greater affirmation for the student.

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