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Racial tension on campus
One simmering debate in the higher education community is over the usefulness of so-called diversity or affinity groups. An article in the current issue of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, discusses the drawbacks of ethnically-based cultural centers, Greek organizations, and even dormitories. The article cites the study "The Diversity Challenge: Social Identity and Intergroup Relations on the College Campus" by Dr. James Sidanius, a Harvard professor of African-American studies, which alleges that "Once students joined these organizations, it increased their own ethnic identification and gave students the feeling that they were being ethnically victimized by other student groups."
There is a place for ethnically-based organizations on campus, but we should bear in mind the recommendations of the report of the Bradley Project on America's National Identity, E Pluribus Unum, which reminds us that:
It is fine if we all together celebrate our mutual differences--E Pluribus Unum with the Pluribus alive and well--but it can be a problem if each group just nurtures its own difference--Pluribus without the Unum... While appreciating the benefits of diversity, Americans should affirm their commitment to national unity, a shared culture, a common language, and defining ideals. ... Universities, businesses, and civic institutions should avoid policies and arrangements that may tend to stereotype and divide Americans.
Posted by Noah Mamis on March 10, 2009 at March 10, 2009 03:05 PM
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