As reported by Tara O’Donovan in last week’s Oswegonian, this fall semester is Oswego States most diverse pool of students ever. The Hispanic, African-American, and Asian populations all increased—albeit slightly. Numbers are a feather in the cap of the admissions department, especially given the reality of Oswego’s somewhat isolated location in Central New York. While, this is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, the minority population on campus is still about half that of the United States as a whole. There is no limit to the advantages of an inclusive student body.
Just hearing “campus diversity” can conjure negative images of rowdy millennial students protesting such things as white conservative speakers and Pocahontas Halloween costumes, likely more for their own egos than an educational cause, which after all, is why we’re here. The Census department projects Caucasian-Americans to be the minority population by 2043. In institutions built specifically for the purpose of educating and equipping the future leaders, voters, doctors, and the like, it is in all our best interests to reflect the demographics of the country so that every race, religion, and sexual orientation has an equal chance to succeed in whatever field they pursue.
But if you are like me, discussing the importance of equal demographic representation makes you feel like just another overzealous social justice warrior looking to alleviate a feeling of “white guilt.” Let’s take a look at the more selfish, practical reasons to take pride in increased diversity in terms of the almighty dollar and career prospects. As I previously mentioned, America is becoming more “multi-colored” by the year. Old white guys may not be running things in the same capacity they have in the past. It is in our best interest as future employees to be able to interact will all different demographics of people as it is becoming more likely we will share a workplace with Muslims, Hispanics, Indians, African-Americans and the list goes on.
If you are reading this column you are probably spending tens of thousands of either your own money, your parents’ money, taxpayer money or money you hope to make someday. We might as well accept this grim reality and at least get a well-rounded education in four years.
While the classes you take are important, the interpersonal skills you acquire through communication with a broad slate of demographics will increase the value of your education through Oswego exponentially.
Many students including me, come from high schools made up of people who look the same and share the same experiences. This limits our ability to learn about the world through other people’s perspectives. Being able to empathize and learn from one another is an opportunity we should relish and recognize that it’s value goes far beyond the cost of tuition.
