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05.22.2002
diversity: more harm than good?

I was once told that in order to make the younger generation more of a diverse group of people, it was imperative to teach everyone diversity.  I was told that it starts at home, and then filters to the new generations and, through time, everyone would become diverse and respect different peoples beliefs. 

Okay, so I believe that statement.  I believe that nothing can change over night and change takes time.  Yes, I understand that statement and do not have a problem with it.  What I have a problem with is the fact that in this effort to become more diverse, conflicting views are not shown and sometimes said that it is not worth studying because they are not what should be taught.

I learned of a program on CNBC that had two people talking about how schools have speakers who talk about the liberal viewpoint, but not the conservative.  The question was are schools being too liberal that they are close minded.  I have said this for years.  The classic example of this theory that I like to use is the city of Madison, WI.  The city (although later reversed) prohibited the use of the pledge of allegiance in public schools.  They claimed that it was offensive to students.  Well, what about offending the people who live by the pledge?  Should I be offended just so someone else isn't offended.  Well I am offended.

Madison also will no longer allow a "x-mas lights," the type that you set your car to a radio station and drive though while listening to the show.  City officials said that this type of display is offensive to people.  Well, it offends me that people cannot respect the views of others and therefore restrict many things that people like to do. 

In my 4+ years at college, I have had the opportunity to see many protests, big and small.  I have heard many people protest that we should respect this cause, that cause, but as soon as you bring an opposing viewpoint, it is considered to not be diverse enough and looked down upon by the university administration.  This is the same administration who wants you to be diverse and experience other viewpoints, yet they won't allow you to share these viewpoints with others.

The American Heritage dictionary defines diversity as "A respect in which things differ."  Are these institutions, city government and schools to name a few, claiming to have diversity in their area yet not respecting the views of others, those who differ?