Diversity Awareness At Missouri State University

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I am a Black student who attends Missouri State University West plains. This is a predominately-white campus. I have attended this school for a whole year and we are in desperate need of a Diversity department. It was a big adjustment to me. It was very different from what I use to. My experience and from what I have heard other minorities like myself experience hasn’t been the best it could be. Somebody should do something about Diversity awareness at this school. This department could be very beneficial. This department could be helpful far as information on other cultures, counseling, support, help spreading inclusiveness, welcoming unique students, and awareness.
First, I will like to start with I am a proud black student leader at Missouri …show more content…

It means understanding each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. Having a Diversity department will help the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. We need a Diversity Department to keep down confusing, make more understanding and less judgmental environment. I would not see it being hard for us here at Missouri State University West Plains to get one. Our only obstacle will be funds. Missouri State University Springfield has one. I would not see why we could not mirror their department seeing that they are our sister …show more content…

Springfield try’s to incorporate principles of multiculturalism, inclusion, equity, and diversity into the curriculum and co-curriculum. They host the events, messages, symbols, values, etc., of the campus make it a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, staff, and members of the broader community. The campus attracts, retains, and develops students, faculty, and staff of color, commensurate with the campus mission and service region. I believe if we try to instill all of those values into Missouri State University West Plains we could have higher enrollment and applicants who are more diverse. Our Assistant Dean Michael Orf informed me our total enrollment was 1993 students for fall 2015. Only 7.6% of those students are ethnic minorities. The exact number is 152 ethnic minority students. We keep track sex but not gender. That is ridiculous. However, the school makes it no better. Most of the minority students are not from the Ozark area. They have different customs, ways of living, and culture. The Ozark culture is mostly consist of white cis mid age Americans. Most of them are stuck in their ways. They tend to be racist, sexiest, and or homophobic. They are not all this way but some. These people go to school with me. They are mostly exposed to this hate on the