Why It’s Important to Encourage Diversity in Education

   

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School systems are similar to past years regarding diversity, even though the student population is growing more diverse. “Schools remain divided along racial, ethnic, and economic lines throughout the U.S.—even as the K-12 public school student population grows more diverse. During the 2020-21 school year, more than a third of students (about 18.5 million) attended schools where 75% or more students were of a single race or ethnicity.” According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. 

The most significant reason for school diversity is that it makes students feel more comfortable and protected. Students who learn about diverse cultures in school feel more at ease and secure dealing with these differences later in life. This allows individuals to interact with various social groups and feel more secure in themselves and their relationships.

Kevin Keogan, Ph.D., Professor in the School of Arts & Sciences at Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA

In an interview with Kevin Keogan, a Rutgers University, Newark professor, we discussed how  American society is as segregated as it has ever been, with predominantly White and non-White communities continuing to have distinct experiences within established social institutions, including our schools. And why it’s important to encourage diversity in schools. 

What are some of the benefits of diversity in education?

It is important to encourage diversity everywhere. But schools are emphasized because that is where children first begin to learn about the world and their surroundings. Awareness of diversity could help children become better citizens as they grow and mature.

According to Drexel University School of Education, there are a few benefits to having diversity in the classroom, such as: “Students become more empathetic, gain a better understanding of lessons and people, become more open-minded, feel more confident and safe, and are prepared for a diverse workplace.” 

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Diversity and inclusion in classrooms are essential for all students, including those with disabilities, different races, religions, genders, etc. According to Kids Included Together, “The National Center for Education Statistics released a report on the condition of education in 2022 noted that from 2010 to 2020, the percentage of public school students served by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) increased from 13% (6.5 million students) to 15% (7.2 million students).”

According to K-12 Dive, “Additionally, students with disabilities in high inclusion settings were 22% more likely than students in low inclusion settings to graduate with a Core 40 diploma by passing the state assessment rather than receiving a waiver. According to the study, this is evidence that students in high-inclusion settings were more prepared for successful postsecondary education and employment opportunities.” 

Why is intercultural education so important for students?

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Kevin Keogan, Ph.D., Professor, states: “While I see multiculturalism as a positive goal for all educational institutions, schools can only do so much without significant economic reforms. Suppose wealth and income remain highly concentrated among so few, and public institutions remain underfunded (again, this is especially true in poor communities). In that case, there is little chance that racial and ethnic inequalities will be adequately addressed.”

“Multiculturalism enables students to see the world from multiple subject positions, crucial to promoting critical thinking skills. It should be encouraged whenever possible. I attempt to do this in my class by asking students to reflect on their own experiences using a sociological perspective, challenging students to recognize the intersections of their structural disadvantages and privileges”, Kevin Keogan, Ph.D., Professor, says. 

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Diversity is vital

According to the Queen University of Charlotte, “Diversity among students in education directly impacts their performance. Studies show that students work better in a diverse environment, enabling them to concentrate and push themselves further when there are people of other backgrounds working alongside them. This promotes creativity, as well as better education, as those with differing viewpoints are able to collaborate to create solutions.” Overall, having diversity in schools is crucial since studies indicate that maintaining diversity promotes acceptance and increases safety in an environment with other cultures, religions, races, disabilities, etc., present. It also teaches kids to be interculturally aware by helping them understand various languages and cultures.