Ola Joseph: The Importance Of Diversity In Schools

Diversity – valuing the abilities, knowledge and perspectives of others as differences that make us collectively stronger

I believe it is important to first analyze the word diversity when examining the need for diversity within a classroom. According to Webster's New Pocket Dictionary, diversity means variety, a number of different kinds. I often discuss and read about diversity in terms of cultural backgrounds; the unification of histories and stories from people from all over the world. Although, I believe that in a higher-educational setting, diversity can also be discussed as the acceptance of the various minds within a classroom. I believe that it is important to recognize the thoughts and experiences of others in a learning environment. Collectively, students learn from teachers, teachers learn from students, and students learn from their peers. By

(Wagstaff 2002, p.97). Students may be socio-economically disadvantaged and the teachers must remember that poverty is in no way a deficit; merely that they may not have the same level of resources or exposure to educational experiences as more advantaged students (Groundwater-Smith,S., Le Cornu, R. & Ewing, R

Aside from providing children with academic benefits, it provides them with a better understanding and respect for diversity. Being in a setting with many different types of students with different needs and abilities provides students with a way to learn about differences and how they can help others. In the Success For All study, results showed that the children involved in the study had “a reduced fear of human differences accompanied by increased comfort and awareness.” (Stout, 2001) If children are separated in the school because of their developmental differences then they will never truly learn that it is okay to be a unique individual. The idea that it is acceptable to be different should become a common knowledge to our students. With that knowledge, our students can make the future a better place for everyone. It has been said that the goal of inclusion is to “create a world in which all people are knowledgeable about and supportive of all other people.” (Whitworth, 1999)

Diversity is about recognising, valuing and taking account of people's different backgrounds, knowledge, skills, and experiences, and encouraging and using those differences to create a productive and effective educational community and workforce.

According to the 2014 Public School Review Diversity Report, the state of Maryland is rated the third most diverse public school system in the nation, with 43% White students, 37% African American students, 11% Hispanic students, 6% Asian students, and 3% Unknown. With a significantly higher population of African American students compared to the state average, the Baltimore City School District is a far less diverse agency than the state school system as a whole. Collectively, the Baltimore City Public School District is comprised of 85% African American students, 8% White students, 5% Hispanic, 1% Asian/Pacific Islander, and less than 1% American Indian, Multiracial, Native Hawiian/other (Baltimore City Public Schools, 2013a). Considering

Diversity is used and mentioned everywhere, including college and job applications as well as in the news and social media. This is an important topic that is sensitive as well. Most people agree that diversity is a highly debated topic and many disputes and discussions have been made to

The diversity found in public schools are those who speak another language other than English, come from different cultural backgrounds, are different socioeconomically, have learning disabilities, physical conditions, have different sexual orientations or genders. Students that are not straight, European American, and come from a comfortable or high socioeconomic status, resulting in private schools or have accessibility to paid for tutoring, are not always at arm’s reach for help or proper resources regarding their education at home or school, in some cases. These students face challenges and overcome them in a plethora of ways.

“It is time for our parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength “Maya Angelou. Today, diversity has very much diminished. This, however, has not gone unnoticed. America is moving to a new standard in which diversity and individuality are encouraged more than uniformity and conformity as individuals have began to embrace their unique differences and accept that our differences are what gives us unity in this country.

When there is diversity is gives the schools a chance to experiment and develop and find the best practices.

Diversity is an important and beautiful concept in our society and this essay will prove why. Reasons to support this are it makes each individual life worthwhile, it helps us evolve and become better and it can build closer relationships.

When it comes to the law, everyone’s voices should be heard. There should be diversity within the law schools if everyone’s voice is going to be taken into consideration. Diversity can be defined as “[…] acceptance and respect.  It means understanding that everyone is unique, and recognizing our individual differences.  These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.” Lawyers are advocates for the people. The legal system does not work if only one person’s voice is heard. One system that is in place to ensure diversity in the law schools is affirmative action. Affirmative action was established on September

There is a quote by Ola Joseph, “Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one other’s uniqueness.” Through experience and personal research, I have worked to become more a culturally competent person, not only in my professional life, but in my personal life as well.

Diversity in classrooms can open student’s minds to all the world has to offer. At times diversity and understanding of culture, deviant experiences and perspectives can be difficult to fulfill, but with appropriate strategies and resources, it can lead students gaining a high level of respect for those unlike them, preferably than a judgmental and prejudiced view.

“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” A famous quote written by Stephen R. Covey, opens the mind of one to diversity.When you have a variety of characteristics in one areas, this creates diversity. Not many people realize the importance of diversity. Growing up I was approached to diversity, but did not quite comprehend what it meant till I became older. It was the summer of 2015 when I was honored to be able to take Sociology 101 at the University of Mississippi, that I would be able to see the importance of diversity. Without diversity one would not be exposed to different point of views, be able to respect others morals and values, and be able to express one's characteristics.