3)
Diversity is a topic of study that I believe to be essential in just about anything that one may encounter. It is because of this that I would make this mandatory for all students wishing to pursue a degree at my university. There is no longer a majority race in the United States; just about every race and ethnicity from all over the world is represented, but not everyone knows much about other people and other lifestyles outside of their own, or outside of what they have been directly exposed to. Cultural diversity needs to be understood from a sociological perspective and because of this, it should be a mandated topic of study. The real world contains people who come from different backgrounds, both economically and socially. Exposing students to the topic of cultural diversity may not fix everything in the world, but I would make sure that my students be as prepared to deal with every type of person in a mature and responsible manner.
Equality, fairness, and academic preparedness would be the values and priorities of my institution. I believe that every person has equal rights at everything in the world, and at every opportunity to assist them in their advancement, regardless of what may seem as disadvantaged upbringings or social inequalities. Those aforementioned values would also take a priority at my institution because in order to provide an environment that is high in academic enrichment, perceived barriers need to be broken before they are even formed, and giving everyone the perspective that they have an equal chance to excel in my institution will bring out the best in them. Not thinking that they are any less than their counterparts that may have had more opportunities, will bring out what they themselves may not even have thought to contain, and it will be this that will allow them to be all that they can be: to be their best.
4)
Equity is the quality of...
These terms have been interconnected throughout history. The community dictates what equity is or what it means to be fair. Societal norms and cultural attitudes direct fairness. As society changes so does the definition of fairness. History is the greatest example of this notion. Slavery, racism at an institutional level, and gender inequality, was at some point deemed acceptable by society in other words, the community at large. However, as the community changes and becomes more diverse, so does the definition of what is acceptable and fair. Differing beliefs and viewpoints are added to the community making it less homogenous.
Looking at the 21st century, our society is more global, diverse and simultaneously integrated. This means the definition of fairness and equality are varied but at the same time uniting under the same standard. People all over the world are coming to expect the same living standards, opportunities for growth, and political freedoms that used to be only enjoyed by citizens of the first world. The Arab Spring is a great example of Western ideals influencing people all over the world. Societies that were once oppressed by their governments demanded political freedoms a right they thought fair while in the past this was not the case.
Community today is defined by technology, media, and trade. No longer is community simply defined, we live in a global society and this diversity is important. It shapes our ideals and our future. The 21st century is one where people are communicating with each other in ways that never seemed possible before, and where education is the key to equality. In an attempt to provide everyone with the same opportunities, technology has started to fill the gaps of what used to seem impossible in nature. Equity and fairness has been redefined, and with that, the opportunities available to everyone.
