Diversity in Schools

In the following essay I will be commenting on the question, “do you think that differences in language, religion, and culture should be recognized and taken into account in schools, or should schools be the central place in American society where all students are made into Good Americans?.”

In the rise of tremendous changes in our society’s demographics, religion, politics, family, and economics we as a nation should reconsider whether schools are using its full potential in the development of our communities and the embracing of cultural diversity. After researching the meaning of school we can conclude that a school is “an institution for development and instruction of a skill, business or area of interest”. If our schools are to contend with the rise of diversity in our society, it’s going to have to take a lead role in its own policies and educational structure in order to teach and accommodate the generations which are following. I believe strongly that there are fundamental characteristics in every nation that makes its citizens so unique. As “Americans” we share a common language, topography, government, and even economy. These characteristics are what allow us to share a common experience, and can be used to unite us and not divide us.

In the other hand, I believe that schools should be the central place of learning. A place where students and teachers can learn about diversity and embrace what makes us so different. If we are ever going to achieve a unified society of vibrant people we are going to have to break through the barriers of diversity. Embracing different people’s language, religion and culture could bring out the best in human beings, but integrating people’s differences can be faced with tremendous challenges. Unless we begin to restructure the way government, society, schools and religious institutions regard the populace we are going to continue to face obstacles in which the people of this country are challenged with the idea of diversity.

Change is important in the modeling or remodeling of any society. If schools are going to have the impact on those seeking knowledge and instruction, then it is going to have to model that instruction in its classrooms. Teaching diversity is not just the spreading of cultural information, but a matter of modeling and embracing cultural difference. Schools in my opinion are doing too little in the area of diversity and that is why we are lagging behind in cultural development in our society.

To conclude, I have come to realize that schools have become “mini communities” where students are contributing to the learning process and sharing a common goal to learn and succeed. Success is having the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve that which is desired, planned and attempted. We as a nation and academic institution are faced with many challenges. In order to succeed we are going to have to desire it, plan for it, and attempt it. So let’s do it!