Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Evaluation - Essay Example Although this phenomenon may not be as prevalent as it used to be in the past, there is still some level of continuing prejudice in American communities and learning institutions. It is not surprising that university students sometimes opt to study, live or socialize with other scholars from the same racial background. Nonetheless, encouraging campus diversity is beneficial for students especially in the learning process, even though critics of college diversity programs argue that these programs do not have any educational advantages. Critics of college diversity schemes claim that ethnic based segregation is prevalent among students. The critics also argue that the extensive spread of racial segregation weakens the academic capacity of a genuine multicultural campus community. Additionally, some of these critics hint that college diversity schemes, like Racial Studies programs, African-American historical studies, Black student clubs, and dorms or houses with ethnic themes, promote further separation instead. They allege that this counters the purpose of a diverse community, which is to encourage intergroup interaction and educate students about each other, in order to guarantee productive co-existence as adults. The underlying value of diversity in institutions of higher learning is also an important aspect to consider in this debatable issue. Members of the public generally support the affirmative action, which seeks to overcome discrimination against women and minority groups by providing them access to equal educational opportunities. This is because it supports the democratic principles of equity, fairness, and equality. However, there are people who argue that the affirmative action, which supports campus diversity, also goes against the very ideals which contributed to its creation. This is because; many institutions of higher learning view it as a platform for building their reputation and acquiring extra resources. Despite the critics’ argumen ts against affirmative action and campus diversity, extensive research has examined how students grow and transform as they join diverse college environments. Most of the said academic researched has concentrated on the manner in which campus racial dynamics influence learners’ outcomes. A great portion of the evidence collected supports continued utilization of affirmative action during university admissions. This is because, students benefit from diversity on campus, both at an individual level and educationally. Apparently, interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds enhances learners’ growth and improvement in regard to emotions management, interpersonal skills and mental maturity. This learning benefit is collective, in the sense that, it is experienced by all students whether they are minorities like Blacks, Asians or Hispanics admitted through adherence to the affirmative action, or Whites who form the greater part of university population. Certa inly, majority students in campus that did not previously have a chance to directly interact with minorities can get to know them and their cultural backgrounds. This, in turn, enhances their ability to work with minorities in the future, in a work environment that is increasingly embracing all types of workers. Another kind of diversity is characterized by the connections that scholars have with new concepts, ideas and people in general. Within this type of diverse