Diversity DOES bring value to education

The article, "Diversity fails to deliver value in education" sheds light to the ignorance that I have been trying to challenge ever since I stepped foot on Whitworth's campus. The writer claims that diversity is racist; racist against whom? The White upper-middle class majority who fail to acknowledge the importance of diversity in the classroom? Diversity certainly isn't racist against minorities who are forced to think about the color of their skin, their socioeconomic status, religion or lack thereof, and sexuality on a daily basis. Those who represent cultural diversity actually do deliver so much value in education. How does one educate oneself if everyone around them thinks, acts, and speaks exactly the same way? Does someone who was raised in poverty--who is most likely of a different ethnicity--not have any value when they speak in the classroom? Our personal experiences, where and how we were educated before coming to Whitworth, the family we grew up in, and our identity ultimately shape how we contribute in the classroom. If we were to take out diversity and ignore the differences between each other we will accomplish nothing. To the man who wrote this article, how can you claim that diversity hasn't brought value to your education? Your major is Political Science which inevitably means you have been taught by a diverse group of people. You go to Whitworth... the university that prides itself on developing a diverse campus. I, as an Act Six Scholar, am on campus for the sole purpose of bridging the gap between those whose ignorance controls the way they think and those who are passionate about creating courageous conversations so we can all address the inequities in our country and around the globe. To say that my purpose doesn't bring value to education is a punch in the stomach. To say that what I contribute to the classroom is meaningless causes me to wonder why Whitworth is so committed to diversity. I am a Multi-Racial woman who grew up in an impoverished neighborhood. I am proud of that and I truly believe that my experiences will always deliver value in education. Society has told me and other minorities that our race does in fact matter; so let us prove you wrong in the classroom. Listen to our stories and rethink the message you portrayed in your article.