Kirwan takes his diversity message to University of Virginia

President Kirwan makes no apologies for his conviction that diversity on U.S. college campuses today is in part an answer to trying to make up for inequities of the past.

In fact, Kirwan recently spoke at a University of Virginia symposium on diversity, and outlined specifically why the issue is such a critical one for him not just as a leader in American higher education, but personally, as well.

"For me, there are three basic reasons why diversity is such a fundamentally important matter: The correction of past and present inequities; the development of a high-quality work force; and the value added to the education of all students when they learn in a diverse environment," he said."How we in higher education address the issue of diversity and inclusion will significantly affect our nation's success -- or lack thereof -- in the 21st century."

Kirwan noted that the effort to correct past and present inequities is"regrettably out of vogue today. Instead, a new orthodoxy is affecting -- perhaps I should say infecting -- our colleges and universities. It holds that race and gender have no part in any of our decisions. Proponents of this view, who seem to be carrying the day, argue that our society has reached a point where race and gender should not matter.

"But the sad truth is that race and gender still do matter. They matter very much -- and in ways that are disproportionately harmful to many women and minorities."

Kirwan cited two examples: the fact that minorities and women continue to receive mortgage loans at statistically significant lower rates than their white male counterparts with equivalent financial circumstances and credit ratings, and significant salary inequities minorities and women currently face at many universities.

"Until we recognize, acknowledge and respond to the inequities that exist in our society, we will never achieve the diversity goals that we all boldly espouse," Kirwan said."Does this mean we should accept unqualified applicants into our universities? Of course not. But it does require us to insure that individual merit evaluations do not result in the bias we see in salaries and other areas."

Though he said he is"at risk of becoming a dinosaur on this topic," Kirwan said he still believes that the continuing effects of prejudice and discrimination are the most compelling rationale for a commitment to diversity.

He also said a second reason diversity in higher education is so important is much more pragmatic -- it has to do with universities' future economic well-being and global competitiveness.

"One of a university's central purposes is to prepare students for citizenship and successful careers in a nation and in an economy increasingly dependent on college graduates. Today that preparation must take into account the growing diversity of peoples and cultures that compose our pluralistic global society," he said.

In America today, Kirwan noted, there is evidence of a striking increase in the internationalization of the economy, the global nature of policy issues, and the demographics of the U.S. labor force and citizenry.

"We are also on the cusp of monumental demographic change," he said, noting that Hispanic and Asian populations are increasing 10 times faster than whites, and the African-American population is growing more than five times faster than whites.

"Consider that by 2020, the number of U.S. residents who are Hispanic or nonwhite will have more than doubled, while the non-Hispanic white population will not be increasing at all. In fact, it may decline," Kirwan said."Just over 50 years from now, the average U.S. citizen -- as defined by Census data -- will be as likely to trace his or her ancestry to Africa, Asia, the Hispanic world, the Pacific Islands and the Islamic world -- as to trace it to Europe. At that point, diversity in the American workplace won't be a goal; it will be a reality."

Next, he asserted, American educators should consider that by the year 2010, half of all jobs will require a college education; in addition, as a result of retirements, the work force will contain 10 percent fewer whites.

"Because there are fewer minorities in today's work force, we will need a 30 percent increase in their numbers just to maintain the status quo," he said.

"Unless we dramatically increase the rates of participation of minorities and women in all fields -- and most especially in those fields where they have been traditionally excluded -- we simply will not have enough technically trained and culturally adaptable people to support a sophisticated, internationally competitive economy. Thus, the moral imperative for diversity in higher education is now united with social and economic necessity in a nation that -- within a little more than one generation -- will be without a racial or ethnic majority."

The challenge goes beyond preparing minority students for success in this new environment, he said. Universities also must prepare students from all races and backgrounds to work effectively in a decidedly more diverse workplace.

"The encouragement of cultural diversity and greater inclusiveness in higher education can enhance the learning environment of the entire University community -- and especially among those students who have lived mainly within a single cultural orbit," Kirwan said."We are coming to understand that we can actually raise standards by subjecting everyone's provincialism to multiple perspectives.

"A diverse environment fosters a plurality of perspectives. It creates the possibility of discourse and learning by talented people of various cultures, backgrounds and experiences. It creates an opportunity for students to come together, challenge each others" ideas, learn new perspectives and grow as individuals. It holds out the hope that the next generation of leaders will understand that our differences are our strength, that our diversity can be the essence of our excellence," he said.

Kirwan cited research conducted at the University of Michigan in preparation for the impending trial on affirmative action, which demonstrates that college students who experience the most racial and ethnic diversity become better learners and more effective citizens as a result.

"I am deeply troubled by the division, prejudice and bias that exist in our society today," Kirwan said."I am disturbed by the current attitudes toward diversity and affirmative action, especially as they relate to higher education. If these attitudes are to change, it will require courage and leadership from our universities.

"For at its best, a university is a place where one can learn to attack the ideas of others, while affirming the human dignity of all. At its best, a university is a place where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated, because that is how we can learn to appreciate the rich variety of human expression. At its best, a university is a place of universal embrace, where people come to understand the complexities of the human condition and the commonality of our shared destiny."

By Jo McCulty

President Kirwan greets Althea Barnett, center, and Yvonne Dulaney, both of the Office of Minority Affairs, Retention Services, at a reception for The Links Inc. Columbus chapter.

Service group Links Inc. lauded at Ohio State

A Columbus service organization seeking to help make college more affordable for African-American students underrepresented on campus recently was honored at a reception hosted by President Kirwan.

Kirwan honored the Columbus chapter of The Links Inc. in March for its support of the University through community service and scholarships.

Kirwan praised Links Inc. for its years of service to the African-American community, to Ohio State and to all of Columbus."I am extremely appreciative of the good works you do for the students at Ohio State," he said."Because of your commitment, the minority scholars program you created has been in place for 17 years."

The Links Inc. support of Ohio State is two-fold, working in collaboration with the Office of Minority Affairs for the Prelude Program and through a $50,000 endowment that provides $1,000 renewable scholarships to Ohio State Links Scholars.

The Prelude Program honors the scholastic achievements of minority high school students in Franklin County. Each year, 42 high schools are invited to nominate up to six students in each grade for recognition. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average to be eligible. Last year's program recognized approximately 400 students. This year's program will be held May 21.

The Links Inc. also established a $50,000 endowment at Ohio State in July 1990 to make college more affordable for African-American students. Nine students have benefited from the endowment to date.

"We are very proud to have the opportunity to provide support to budding scholars through our scholarships," said Gwendolyn Cartledge, professor of physical activity and educational services in the College of Education and president of the Links Inc."s Columbus chapter.

Kirwan also highlighted current efforts at Ohio State to strengthen the links within the University and the community, including the Campus Partners revitalization effort and cooperation with city officials, business leaders and neighborhood residents to rebuild the quality of the schools and strengthen the community infrastructure.

Kirwan also spoke of the importance of the University's diversity plan, which will help strengthen the community links on campus. After a series of meetings on the document, the plan is now being revised based on the feedback received.

"We want a strong document with real teeth to increase diversity in students, faculty and staff and improve minority graduation rates," Kirwan said."Our plan will make us a national leader in creating a diverse environment that truly reflects our community. I am very serious about the commitment to diversity and doing better at serving the community."

The Links Inc. was founded in Philadelphia in 1946. The Columbus chapter, one of 270 nationwide, was formed in 1950. Links symbolizes a friendship chain of service and civic-minded African-American women focused on making contributions to the African-American community.

next page...