The first question, employees of a college/university need to ask themselves is: Why is diversity important? According to Minnesota State University, educating faculty and staff on how to work effectively in a diverse environment helps the MNSU prevent discrimination and promote inclusiveness. MNSU continues to say good management of a diverse work force enhances the ability of the Office of the Chancellor and the system's colleges and univerisities to maneuver in an increasingly complex and diverse environment.
On almost every state sponsored college/university, there is an EEO statement at the bottom of each correspondence. As a public institution, students, faculty, and staff all need to have equal opportunities to the best of jobs, education, and work environments. To get your university more involved in Diversity, start by doing some research about successful strategies used by universities to develop a culture of diversity throughout the institution. Compare this to the goals, objectives and mission of your university as they relate to creating and sustaining a diversity-friendly environment. As a faculty, staff or student of a university you could initiate a conversation at all levels that deals with diversity (or lack of) in the workforce and student populations. At this conversation, implement topics such as affirmative action, American with Disabilties Act, compliance, Discrimination/harassment complains, and possible local, regional or national trainings that deals with diversity.
There are some excellent resources and speakers that would be more than willing to come to your university to discuss the imporance of Diversity and how the university will benefit from multipluralism. These opportunies will give your university an opprortunity to attract new audiences and enhance the worldliness of your university.
