Diversity on a college campus is more than just a buzzword – it’s a fundamental aspect of creating a vibrant and inclusive academic community. Embracing diversity means recognizing and valuing the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that each individual brings to the table. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and respected.

One of the key benefits of diversity on campus is the opportunity for students to learn from one another. When those from different backgrounds come together, they bring with them a wide range of ideas, beliefs, and experiences. This diversity of thought enriches classroom discussions, leading to deeper learning and a more well-rounded education.

Inclusivity and equity are also essential components of a diverse campus community. Inclusivity means creating a campus environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging, regardless of their background. This includes providing access to resources and support services that meet the needs of all students, including those from underrepresented groups.

Equity, on the other hand, is about ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed. This means addressing systemic barriers that may prevent certain groups of students from fully participating in campus life. It also means recognizing and addressing issues of privilege and discrimination that may exist within the campus community.

Creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable campus requires a commitment from everyone – students, faculty, staff, and administrators. It starts with fostering a culture of respect and understanding, where differences are celebrated rather than feared or ignored. It also requires creating policies and programs that promote diversity and inclusion.

Ultimately, embracing diversity on campus is not just the right thing to do – it’s also good for the academic community as a whole. By creating a more diverse and inclusive campus, we can create a richer, more vibrant learning environment for all students, one that prepares them to succeed in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. 

“You know you walk outside and you hear 20 different languages. You see people of all different nationalities backgrounds when you start talking to them, so I think diversity comes, you know, in the barrel fulls,” said Jeffrey Kurnick, an advisor for the Center for Leadership and Service at Highline.

At this institution, while diversity is readily apparent, it’s clear that without inclusivity and equity, diversity alone lacks substance. Merely having individuals from varied backgrounds isn’t sufficient if everyone doesn’t feel accepted and catered to. Therefore, the pursuit of inclusivity and equity remains imperative. The recent appointment of Dr. Mary Behemoth as VP of EDI signals a commitment to this cause here at Highline.

All in all, fostering genuine inclusivity demands empowering historically marginalized groups, particularly students, by elevating their voices in decision-making processes within academic settings. This is not just a prerequisite for progress, but also a genuine cause for celebration.