We discussed at the 5/7 meeting the need to define diversity for our IOU group. Add your definitions here. Be sure to include your name (Candice) with your comments.
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Wow. The link Margaret mentions in her comments has an absolutely stellar definition of diversity: http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/diversity/definition.asp. Too bad we can't use it. However, we can definitely take ideas from it. I liked the following:
* Understanding and appreciating interdependence of humanity, cultures, and the natural environment.
* Practicing mutual respect for qualities and experiences that are different from our own.
* Understanding that diversity includes not only ways of being but also ways of knowing;
* Recognizing that personal, cultural and institutionalized discrimination creates and sustains privileges for some while creating and sustaining disadvantages for others;
* Building alliances across differences so that we can work together to eradicate all forms of discrimination.
(Candice, 5/12)
Comments (2)
Margaret said
at 4:56 pm on May 7, 2008
I've included a link to the Oregon State University's student learning outcomes about diversity:
http://oregonstate.edu/dept/dpd/sites/default/files/Student_Learning_Outcomes_Relevant_to_DPD_Criteria.doc
I read some of their language at the meeting:
Courses have as their focus the study of the unequal distribution of power within the framework of particular disciplines and course content.
o The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding, and provide examples of the ways that difference, power, and discrimination occur given a particular subject matter and/or discipline.
Courses will provide illustrations of ways in which the interactions of social categories such as race, ethnicity, social class, gender, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability and age are related to difference, power and discrimination in the United States.
The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the effects of institutional discrimination on people and social groups.
(continued on next comment)
Margaret
Margaret said
at 4:57 pm on May 7, 2008
(continuation)
Lane Community College has a statement that reads:
Lane's Vision of Diversity is to pursue a social justice effort that is inclusive not exclusive and that identifies "isms" that continue to exist. Diversity is about becoming a higher performing organization, which produces outcomes that serve the needs of a diverse college population.
Diversity is specifically defined in Lane's "Core Values," adopted in 2003 by the Board of Education as part of Lane's Strategic Plan to:
Welcome, value and promote diversity among staff, students and our community;
Cultivate a respectful, inclusive and accessible working and learning environment;
Work effectively in different cultural contexts to serve the educational and linguistic needs of a diverse community
Develop capacity to understand issues of difference, power and privilege.
Lane's diversity work is defined experientially by action, continuing support of best practices for diversity initiatives that maintain a strong commitment to equal employment and educational opportunity in all activities, programs and services.
Here's a site from Queensborogh Community College (CUNY). I like it because it distinguishes between "old school" and "new school" approaches:
http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/diversity/definition.asp
Hope this gets the discussion going!
Margaret
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