UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 20, Page D2
February 20, 1992
Diversity
A commitment that enhances education

     On Sept. 24, Dr. James E. Newton, professor and director of
the Black American Studies Program, made his first remarks as
chairperson of the Commission to Promote Racial and Cultural
Diversity. In his speech before the commission, Dr. Newton
discussed the complex and sometimes controversial issues
surrounding diversity, and emphasized the responsibility of
educational institutions to address and deal effectively with those
issues that impede the development of a culturally diverse campus
environment. His remarks follow.

     First of all, on behalf of the Commission, I would like to
thank the two previous chairpersons, Dr. James Oliver and Ms.
Cynthia Cummings, for their leadership in the past year, along with
the strong support from the Office of the Vice President for
Employee Relations, Ms. Judy Gibson, Assistant Vice President for
Affirmative Action and Multicultural Programs, and Jack Miles,
Willetta Stamp and other members of the staff for their support. In
addition, thanks is due to former members for their commitment to
the commission and to the new commission members who will share
with us their time and abilities in carrying out the mission of
diversifying the campus of the University of Delaware.
     Allow me to share some brief words with you about diversity.
As you may well know, the topic of diversity on this campus, along
with colleges and universities throughout the nation, is one of
major concern. The realization that America's work force will
significantly change by the year 2000 and beyond has alerted
government agencies, private industry and major corporations and
our education systems, that-if we are to survive-then effective
diversification must take place in all facets of American life.
     College campuses have become havens for discourse and forums
on numerous issues centered around cultural diversity. Diversity
dialogs on campuses range, in perception, from the far left to the
far right to those that express a more centric, or moderate,
viewpoint. However, regardless of one's perception, the concept of
diversity itself implies a fullness of ideas and insights that
cover the human spectrum. The dialogues and the range of
perceptions and views on topics of diversity are endless. To name
a few-discriminatory practices vs. claims of reverse
discrimination; First Amendment rights vs. "obscene utterances or
expressions"; academic freedom vs. freedom without responsibility;
gay, lesbian and bisexual rights and the increase in homophobia vs.
gay militancy and increased heterophobia; political correctness vs.
political incorrectness; women's rights issues vs. claims by men's
rights activists as victims of feminization; Afrocentric curriculum
vs. Eurocentric curriculum; and the list goes on.
     Ideally, educational institutions are neither politically
correct nor politically incorrect. The major thrust of any
institution of higher education should be educational rightness or
the promotion of what is necessary and good for students in their
preparation for positive inclusion in tomorrow's world. Educational
institutions must accept the responsibility of assuring that equity
and fairness are the standards employed in meeting their projected
goals.
     As members of the Commission on Racial and Cultural Diversity,
we share the responsibility to assure, to the best of our
abilities, that all students are provided with a sense of fairness
that allows them full access to the resources and benefits of the
institution. This commitment broadens and enhances the
possibilities of a quality educational experience at the University
of Delaware.
     It is only human for each of us to have our own opinions and
personal views on the various issues that will be brought before
us. However, in an arena where the common good may serve the
greater benefit for all, our personal views may not always be the
position of the commission as a body. To make use of an old cliche:
We agree to disagree without being disagreeable.
     As we look forward to the challenges of this academic year,
let us, along with President Roselle, who has assumed the
leadership in diversifying the campus, commit ourselves to
reviewing the most critical and pressing issues, debating the pros
and cons of such issues, placing the priorities before us and
moving on with "all deliberate speed" toward possible modification,
alteration or resolution of the concerns.
     With the challenge of the new year before us, let us, in our
respective tasks, share in the dialog, identify the issues, provide
creative insight and goodwill, by removing those obstacles impeding
our progress in the continuous development of a culturally diverse
and educationally stimulating campus environment.