The term “diversity” is frequently aligned alongside ethnicity, cultural background, and the most common- which brings us back to historical context; skin color. The diversity movement that we as Americans have adhered to, derived from the termination of segregation by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Segregation promoted uniformity, and comparing the distant past, to modern day proves that America has truly evolved. Nowadays, universities strive to boast about the variance of scholars within their campuses in order to attract students of differing backgrounds. It’s acknowledgement is on the rise, however it has become apparent that colleges’ most popular presentation of said miscellany narrows down to the aforementioned ethnic medley. This, of course, isn’t all that diversity is. There exists other factors such as: gender, age, sexuality, religion, socioeconomic status, mental ability, physical ability, political beliefs, and the list goes on. Though unmistakably lengthy, considering diversity should therefore convey the consideration of all it’s aspects. If schools like Riverside City College continue to strive for diversity, they should acknowledge the unrepresented factors that do not receive as much recognition. In other words, RCC has come to acknowledge diversity well-roundedly- displaying banners, informational booths, and designing programs tailored for the average student, however, they lack recognition towards military veterans. Without the thorough acknowledgement of all factors of diversity, students can feel left out- or otherwise fall under academic decline.
With universities longing for variety among their enrolled students, they begin their search for diverse individuals as early they can- through enrollment brochures. Of course, with a clear goal in mind, colleges will try their best to achieve it- the simplest of ways being; uploading a photo of a group of students with different skin tones into each brochure. Doing so may not at all seem to have much favorable effects, however, diversity plays a vast role in a student’s enrollment. Without being surrounded by individuals who share the same backgrounds as oneself, it it likely to cause an extra pressure. Namely, in a book written by Claude M. Steele, entitled Whistling Vivaldi and Other Clues to How Stereotypes Affect Us, he reveals the experience of a white college student placed within a black and minority dominated classroom. He expresses that “if he said something that revealed an ignorance of African American experience, or a confusion about how to think about it, then he could be seen as racially intensive” (Steele 538). Put simply, students can feel socially challenged or experience an added tension when surrounded by a larger group of students who share the same background- thus, placing a substantial demand on diversity. Not only would this situation apply to students of varying ethnic groups, but it would hypothetically produce similar results with other forms of diversity. For instance, if a student with liberal beliefs attended a conservative university, not only would the individual undergo unwanted stress amongst a classroom full of conservative students, but, rather, with a majority of the school’s population. Of course, drawing back to the main idea, schools striving for diversity is a prioritized demand, and should stay as such. It begins with the enrollment process, and from then, colleges can determine exactly how effectively they have drawn in racially diverse scholars. However, high on a college’s agenda should be discovering ways to concede other forms of diversity within their campus. Campus mélange isn’t truly it without the consideration of all forms. Improving ways to welcome every student’s differing situations- whether it be age, sexuality, religion, socioeconomic status, mental ability, physical ability, or political beliefs- in addition to race, would call for a truly diverse campus. This would, without a doubt, provide for even further multiplicity.
Taking a single glance at the official RCC website, any individual is most likely to point out the effort put in to show it’s love for diversity. Exhibited on the website are internal links with displayed cover photos- generating a welcoming atmosphere for anyone who may relate or fall under the differing categories. With a range of diversity ranging from DACA students, athletes, veterans, performers, parents, and LGBTQIA+ allies and members- a majority of which were proudly promoted on campus. Lists of programs that benefit students of all backgrounds, as well as mission critical areas tailored for the typical college student. However, it seems as if these types of programs are nowhere to be found for veterans. On the website, however, RCC offers four years of priority registration for a total of fifteen years following active duty discharge, tuition assistance with the help of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, rehabilitation, and two assistance program tailored for veteran education and survivors and dependents. On average, veterans, unlike non veteran students, are more likely to engage in programs that benefit their learning, and provide further opportunities for their education. As stated by Young M. Kim, and James S. Cole in Student Veterans/Service Members’ Engagement in College and University Life and Education, student veterans “do not invest their energy on traditional “high impact” areas, such as internships, community service, and study abroad” (700). These programs are less likely to be tailored for veterans, considering the fact that they commonly “have responsibilities away from campus that compete for their time” (Kim and Cole 700). In other words, veterans tend to lack financial resources- likely having a family and therefore, a workplace to attend to. With that being said, they tend to steer clear from these specific programs. In order to develop programs that fit the parameters of veterans’ situations and their mental stressors or triggers, support groups and systems should be established. As Kim and Cole proclaim, “Drawing attention to the unique experiences of student veterans/service members, which may not be well understood by faculty and staff, is important in institutions’ efforts to create and adapt effective support systems” (692). Otherwise speaking, one may not understand another in the way they understand themselves- this applies to veterans as well. Unless an individual- or the administrators who plan and coordinate such programs, have experienced what veteran students have faced in their past, they will not truly understand. This of course can lead to student veterans feeling like the odd men out. Without support systems in place, they typically, as Kim and Cole interject, can be placed under more stress, unlike their non veteran peers. Once these students are well understood, RCC can further determine how it can create a space where veterans do not have to feel singled out. Although diversity is a massive topic and goal for colleges and universities, ignoring their factors and needs does not mean the problem is solved. Embracing diversity emanates the embracing of its various necessities. Without it, students are heavily affected, and as mentioned, experience stress that distracts from academic performance.
On the subject of educational institutions and their endeavors towards furthering campus diversity, some will argue that it has no direct effect on education. Without a doubt, once it paved way onto the priority list for universities, uncertainties were bound to arise. In an article entitled, “Against ‘Diversity’” by John Rosenberg and Roger Clegg, they remark: “One would think that if ‘diversity’ is as essential to a good education as its defenders claim, there would by now be mounds of empirical evidence supporting their faith.” To put it simply, diverse student bodies are described to provide no definite results for their academic futures. Even after implementing diversity on the checklist for college enrollment, it still yields no benefit. Without real advantages, it appears that students only learn one thing- as Rosenberg and Clegg indicate, “‘diversity’ helps students understand…’diversity.’” In accordance to their study, with nothing to offer but knowledge of itself, diversity therefore holds no true value. Nevertheless, though diversity may give the impression of a nonsensical priority within an educational setting, it indeed proves to be beneficial for students. A study executed by Patrick Kelly in his article entitled The Value of Classroom Diversity states that “diverse classrooms play an essential role in career preparation. Students are entering job markets with diminishing concern for community or national boundaries.” With endless careers interacting with clientele, patients, consumers, and even coworkers deriving from multiple backgrounds, it is imperative to gain knowledge on ways to interact and collaborate with said individuals. Though diversity comes with its quirks, such as it’s implementation, it prepares students for life in the workforce. Kelly then continues his argument in stating, “reversing racial and socioeconomic resegregation is a task without simple solutions. However, difficulty is not justification for failure to act.” Whilst diversity remains with its challenges, it is not a question whether or not a college should continue to strive for it. Our world is, and always will be diverse, therefore its importance will continue to prevail.
Universities will continue to aim for more diverse campuses- as they should. However, its recognition necessitates the acknowledgement of all aspects of diversity. These aspects, though somewhat of a challenge to reach include gender, age, sexuality, religion, socioeconomic status, mental ability, physical ability, political beliefs, and many more. The first step towards diversity begins with the enrollment process- the perfect way to win a student’s favor. While continuing the process in which present campus diversity is depicted through college brochures, ways to include all other aspects of multiplicity must be improved. In a general sense, RCC provides an explicable effort to concede its passion for campus diversity. Though diving deeper exposes it’s neglect for organized programs designed for military veterans- specifically those that will cause an impact on their future. With diversity rising as the new important focus in education, universities are constantly searching for ways to improve its impact. With fingers crossed, one can only hope that implementation of diversity will grow more enhanced with time to come.