Diversity In Schools

Diversity, the mixture of ethnicities, is an important part of education. Since the middle of the 20th century, areas of the United States have struggled to achieve diversity in schools. Attending a diverse school can help children understand multiple perspectives and learn to function in an increasingly multicultural society.

By the year 2100, it is projected that the United States will be a minority-majority nation, with non-Hispanic whites comprising only 40 percent of the population. Diversity in schools is one of the best ways to overcome prejudice, provide for equal educational opportunities, and present multiple perspectives on issues.

However, there are issues when attempting to teach in diverse environments, as teachers often struggle to learn how to present information that is culturally responsive and not biased. Central to the promotion of diversity is a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and the fostering of mutual respect.

Promoting diversity in schools is in response to the long tradition of enforcing cultural assimilation in public schools. Ethnic minorities, especially Native Americans, were frequently forced to abandon cultural ties in order to participate in the educational system. 1954's Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark change in bringing diversity to American schools.