| 10:35 a.m., Jan. 30, 2003--For James E. Newton, professor of Black American Studies at UD, the idea of a diversity friendly workplace is quite simple—it basically involves people learning how to get along with other people.
A more formal definition offered by Newton is “the effective interaction or comfort level between individuals and groups that may differ from each other in a broad range of areas—including, but not limited by—race, color, creed, age or gender.”
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| James E. Newton, professor of Black American Studies at UD: “You can embrace your own culture and also appreciate the American ideal of liberty and justice for all.” |
To get this idea across and to provide guidelines for companies and other institutions where diversity is an important issue, Newton has written “The Principles of Diversity: Handbook for a Diversity-Friendly America.”
Published by Vantage Press, the handbook covers a variety of topics, ranging from attitude, bias, character and differences to education, fairness, history, justice and individuality. Additional topics include prejudice, having an open mind, respect for others, tolerance and the idea of learning to adapt to the challenges of living and working with others in a multicultural world.
“We have to look at diversity in the broadest possible terms so that we can embrace all of humanity,” Newton said. “You can embrace your own culture and also appreciate the American ideal of liberty and justice for all.”
Newton said that the idea of writing a handbook on diversity came about as a result of speaking engagements and participation at conferences where individuals would ask for more information on some of the diversity-related issues he had spoken or written about.
But it was not until he had been approached by a former student for a copy of his remarks that Newton seriously considered taking on the project of writing a handbook on diversity.
| The American Diversity Friendly Workplace Pledge
I pledge my commitment to the development of a diversity friendly American workplace. As a member of the workforce, I will treat all co-workers with dignity and respect. To fulfill this commitment:
- I am prepared to participate with a cooperative spirit in all tasks essential to mutual progress and the common good;
- I am prepared to discourage bias, prejudice and bigotry;
- I am prepared to enhance my knowledge and understanding of others in the workforce regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sexual preference, age, gender or physical condition;
- I am prepared to engage in open communications with others on job-related matters;
- I am prepared to reject undesirable myths and stereotypes about various ethnic groups and their members;
- I am prepared to observe the elements of fairness in my daily duties and routine activities with coworkers;
- I am prepared to become a diversity-tolerant member of the workforce.
- I further pledge to be otherwise guided in my decision-making by sound judgment and reason, not given to preferential treatment and upheld by the democratic ideal “with liberty and justice for all.”
Source: “The Principles of Diversity: Handbook for a Diversity-Friendly America”
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“I considered my experiences with this subject and thought about the ways that people in this diverse world can get along,” Newton said. “I thought about the things that each person brings to the table in both a cultural and ethnic sense.”
Newton suggests using an inclusive approach to diversity issues, one that looks for the common ground and draws upon a fundamental part of the American work ethic—working together as a team.
“Taking pride in your work and working together as a team is very important,” Newton said. “Corporations are keen in moving toward becoming institutions that are diversity friendly.”
While salary is an important item for workers to consider when choosing an employer, many feel that it is equally important to be part of a workplace where tolerance is company policy. Job seekers look for this type of work environment because they believe it creates an atmosphere that encourages greater productivity while reducing on-the-job stress, Newton said.
Such a multicultural approach to the creation of a diversity friendly workplace, Newton said, begins with the recognition and eventual acceptance of the cultural and ethnic differences that exist in the workplace and beyond.
“All people want to be accepted as human beings,” Newton said. “When acceptance is not possible, tolerance is acceptable. You learn to respect each other’s differences and move forward.”
Moving forward involves identifying certain issues and problems, establishing a dialog and working toward resolutions and solutions.
Newton also said that while society may create rules through legislation, there are still things that people need to work out among themselves, not because it is legally mandated, but because of a basic sense of fairness toward other human beings.
“People brought different cultures to the table in forming our country, and they gave us all they had to offer,” Newton said. “We need to rekindle that American spirit and to help people remember what our country is all about.”
A graduate of North Carolina Central University, Newton holds a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of North Carolina and a doctorate from Illinois State University.
Newton also is the author of “A Curriculum Evaluation on Student Knowledge of Afro-American Life and History” and co-editor of “The Other Slaves: Mechanics, Artisans and Craftsmen,” as well as numerous articles.
Article by Jerry Rhodes
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