Diversity?

I think most of us can remember the process  of applying to UMD.  I recall a strong emphsis on this idea of diveristy.  The university prides itself as being a diverse campus.  What does all of this talk of diversity mean?  Is diversity having a rainbow of skin colors on campus?  Is diversity bringing a group of people with wide ranging experiences and backgrounds?  Is diversity both of these things?

According to the, recently drafted,  Diversity Plan Draft diversity is "all the ways we differ as indiviuals. It includes visible differences such as age, gender, ethnicity, and physical appearance; as well as underlying differences such as thoughts styles, religion, nationality, socio-economic status, belief systems, sexual orientation and education. It means respecting, valuing and harnessing the richness of ideas, backgrounds and perspectives that are unique to each individual" (ASME).  In addition the University of Michigan points out that diversity "should be a source of mutual enrichment to all members of the university community."

So what does this all mean with the restructuring of the office of Equity and Diversity (which includes the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education, Nyumburu Cultural Center, and the office of LGBT Equity)? As Nehama mentioned Dr. Cordell Black, Assistant Provost of Equity and Diversity Cordell Black, has worked at the university for years fighting for marginalized groups on campus with the idea that diversity is essential to the "excellence and enrichment" of the the university.

Students are not taking the matter lightly.  Last night there was an emergency meeting to discuss the restructuring of the office of Equity and Diversity and Dr. Cordell Black.  This morning's Diamondback article is titled Students furious over diversity official's ousting.

In response to last night's meeting there will be a march on the administration building starting at 12p at the Nyumburu Cultural Center.  Let your voices be heard!

-Sasha