Perservation or Transformation: Where's the Real Educational Discourse on Diversity?

Abstract

This paper identifies four critical areas of campus diversity that are typically absent from mainstream public discourse aimed at preserving race conscious admissions practices. Shaped largely by legal deliberations, this discourse tends to: (a) overlook the full historical development of diversity-related efforts, (b) focus primarily on admissions as the main goal, (c) ignore transformative aims, and (d) underestimate the impact of diversity on student learning. The paper discusses the educational significance of articulating a more authentic and comprehensive discourse about campus diversity.