Printer FriendlyEquity is the Foundation for Diversity: Equity Produces Diversity
Workplace dynamics are becoming more complex. Diversity is an important part of that complexity and allows us to be more effective as an institution.
Equality of opportunity is simply good business. Regarding it only as a legal requirement is limited and ignores several essential factors. A diverse community benefits faculty, staff, and students, both majority and minority. Education that includes diversity in actual practice, not just in theory, makes the institution viable in a world where we must all be skilled at interacting with others from a wide variety of human differences that include cultures, races, religion, ages and other backgrounds.
Increasing our ability to attract diversity to our campus is essential for success in today’s marketplace. Attracting diversity, however, is only part of that success. Fostering and maintaining a human relations climate that is welcoming, professional and upholds individual dignity will encourage those whom we attract to the institution to stay and to thrive.
Equal opportunity laws provide a foundation that protects us all and allows us to be successful collectively and individually. Affirmative action is a tool that the employer uses to identify under representation of protected categories in various occupations, and to develop goals and objectives to achieve parity in the workforce over time.