Diversity in academia is an aspect that has been strategized around by many stakeholders. Although significant milestones have been achieved in making schools diverse, there are still challenges that have to do with equal representation as well as racism in different academic institutions. Although the importance of diversity in ensuring fruitful interactions cannot be emphasized enough, there is a need for institutions to put in place measures in terms of policies and infrastructure that encourage diversity and inclusion.
Introduction
One of the most important aspects in different academic spaces today is diversity management. As the world increasingly become interconnected as a result of technological advancement, it becomes increasingly important to ensure diversity related dynamics lead to positive outcomes. Although there is still discrimination in schools in different countries such as the US and the UK, major strides have been made in ensuring schools, regardless of their level become safe learning spaces for all students, regardless of their background. Diversity is not only witnessed in the variation of student’s backgrounds but also among staff. So far, the UK and the US have continually admitted students who are ethnically different. Although there are several advantages that are linked to such moves, there are still challenges and opportunities that are witnessed in trying to embrace diversity in academia.
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Advantages of Diversity in Academia
Interactions among diverse groups in an educational background results in the development of ideas of high quality. This is in comparison with ideas by a group of students which is ethnically homogenous. ( Fine & Handelsman 2010) assert that the level of critical analysis of decisions is higher among students that are exposed to the opinion of opinion groups in comparison to those who are not. Besides this, normal interactions among students results in students learning more from each other if they are from diverse backgrounds. One’s novelty is likely to be sparked by interacting, sharing ideas and brainstorming with an individual who is from a different background. The reason behind this is the differences in environments in which individuals grow and how they influence their critical thinking as well as general development.
Strategies Used For Success
One of the most important aspect that makes diversity a success in academia is the institution of laws and policies that encourage diversity. At the same time, different stakeholders in academia have realized the benefits of diversity not only in school but also in preparing a learner to embrace diversity in the workplace. Institutions have hence strategized on not only ensuring diversity while admitting students but also while recruiting employees. Besides this, individuals at different personal levels, for example human rights activists continue to lobby for diversity and inclusion in different spaces including academic spaces. Due to such sensitization and push for diversity acceptance, leaders in academia have continually strategized and instituted methods that ensure acceptance of people as well as ideas from different backgrounds.
Diversity Challenges
Although diversity has been significantly embraced in different institutions, a myriad of issues are still witnessed in its adoption. Inadequate representation is an issue that is yet to be fully solved, especially in institutions where the whites are the majority. The representation issues is most prevalent among minority groups ( Ijalba et al., 2010) . Often times, their views are not considered because they do not have the force in numbers to voice out their concerns. At the same time, although racism as an issue of diversity and inclusion has been drastically reduced, systematic racism is a factor that still infiltrates the education system. According to data released by US department of education, black students are 3 times more likely to face expulsion in comparison to their white counterparts when they commit restraints. Besides, although black students are approximately 26% of those enrolled in K-12 school categories, 27% of them are referred to law enforcement facilities. In addition to this, 31% are subjected to arrest. On the other hand, while white students make approximately 51% of the enrolment, 41% are likely to be referred to law enforcement and 39% subjected to arrest ( Equity, 2016) . The above statistics prove that a couple of schools have failed to institute infrastructure that ensure diversity and inclusion while at the same time eliminating discrimination that is based on color or identity. Besides racism, diversity and inclusion in terms of ensuring people with disabilities are made part of the school community is far from being achieved. A majority of schools do not have infrastructure that makes the physically or mentally disabled individuals feel part of the large school community by ensuring their comfort ( Baglieri, 2017) .
Strategies Used To Address Challenges
Increased sensitization about the need for diversity goes a long way in ensuring students and faculty members embrace diversity. Seminars, forums and workshops are tools that could come handy in this. Besides, formulation of policies and putting in place infrastructure that encourage diversity help a lot. It is also important that institutions to review their hiring as well as admission of students practices. Individuals who are responsible for such aspects should also be from diverse backgrounds if possible. This will ensure there is a balance in response to diversity related issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is still a lot that has to be done in academia to ensure diversity and inclusion. There are major advantages such as cross- learning that happens. Besides, individuals from dynamic backgrounds could brainstorm and come up with better and more viable ideas. Since many have realized the advantages of diversity, they have instituted policies as well as strategies that ensure diversity is embraced. However, there are still challenges such as discrimination and unequal representation in learning institutions. Policies should be put in place and admission and hiring practices reviewed to ensure equal access of growth as well as learning opportunities in academia.
References
Baglieri, S. (2017). Disability studies and the inclusive classroom: Critical practices for embracing diversity in education . Taylor & Francis.
Burner, T., Nodeland, T. S., & Aamaas, Å. (2018). Critical perspectives on perceptions and practices of diversity in Education.
Equity, K. (2016). 1NEW RELEASE FOR 2016U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil RightsA FIRST LOOKKEY DATA HIGHLIGHTS ON EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY GAPS IN OUR NATION’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Retrieved 21 March 2020, from https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/2013-14-first-look.pdf
Fine, E., & Handelsman, J. (2010). Benefits and challenges of diversity in academic settings. Brochure prepared for the Women in Science & Engineering Leadership Institute (WISELI) .
Ijalba, E., Velasco, P., & Crowley, C. J. (Eds.). (2019). Language, Culture, and Education: Challenges of Diversity in the United States . Cambridge University Press.
