In the case of Virginia Tech’s proposal, diversity was defined as the “desirability and value of many kinds of individual differences while at the same time acknowledging and respecting that socially constructed differences based on certain characteristics exist within systems of power that create and sustain inequality, hierarchy and privilege.” The characteristics ranged from race and gender to body size and condition.
Private schools that decide to implement diversity requirements are under less political pressure than publicly funded institutions, says Kissel, who adds that the recent decision by the president of Virginia Tech to rescind the proposal is “an important first step toward preserving faculty rights.”
Others, like Wood of NAS, suspect that diversity proponents will regroup and try to push forward similar proposals at other colleges and universities in the future.
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
