Diversity at Penn State
Diversity is an essential part of a college campus; it promotes a stimulating learning environment. The definition of diversity needs to incorporate all aspects of life. Penn State has been trying to formulate a solid definition of diversity and how to incorporate it into the university. However, it is hard to place a definition on diversity due to different people’s interpretation of the word. Most people, when asked the meaning of diversity, would say something to the effect of variety or differences. The dictionary does not elaborate on the definition. It simply states that diversity is a noun that means variety (Webster’s, 98). However, many things need to be considered to develop a complete definition for the word. For example, in the fall 2004 semester at Penn State University Park, there were 31,959 white students out of the total population of 41, 289 (Althouse, “Fact Book”). I believe that just because there was an overwhelming white population, does not mean that diversity did not exist at Penn State. If diversity is a concern at the university, then conflict, opinions, and backgrounds need to be taken into consideration in order to create a diverse environment.

We must keep in mind that when creating an environment of diversity, we are also promoting a breeding ground for unlimited conflict. Many people are not used to being thrown into a situation where the people around them do not think the same way they do. With one’s own group of friends, differences are generally minimal. People generally flock to those who are similar in most aspects of life. Friends are usually people who have the same interests and agree on many things. When combining such a large group of people, conflict on many levels must be expected. Walking outside, many divisions are evident. People on one side of the street are yelling “E-A-G-L-E-S”, while others chant, “Here we go Steelers, here we go”. Such fights are generally small and unimportant, but the differences go far beyond allegiances to sports teams.

Many conflicts arise due to differences of opinion. At Penn State, diverse opinions are everywhere. Opinion is evident when concerning many big issues such as homosexuals, abortion, and stem cell research. It is also found in everyday life when discussing such things as sports, food, and television shows. People butt heads all the time over who or what is right. This diversity, though, is essential to the university scene. If there is a diversity of opinion, then there is an opportunity for students to listen and consider other’s points of view. If we consider the views of others, then we strengthen our own views. By strengthening our own views, we become more involved in the world. If we are more involved, then we have more control over our futures.

With over 40,000 students attending Penn State University Park, there is a unique array of backgrounds making up the campus community. Values, morals, and beliefs are a few things that add to the diversity. There are nearly 3,500 international students enrolled at the university, representing nearly 140 different countries (Framework, par. 7). This brings diversity into the university because people are coming from different parts of the world bringing with them diversity of culture, values, and beliefs. If we learn about others, then we in turn teach people about ourselves. Students who come in contact with others who are different from them are able to build an understanding for the way they live their lives. This will help to build a tolerant community. The way one is brought up can shape a person for the rest of their life, but it is important to keep an open mind to the values of others.

I believe that the university should incorporate all of these aspects into their definition of diversity. I don’t think that skin color is a big factor in defining diversity. Opinions, values, beliefs, morals, and even conflict bring about variety in an environment. There are some people who believe that diversity is useless. However, if everyone were exactly alike in physical appearance and the way they thought, then the world would be one mind-numbing place. People would not be able to grow intellectually. We learn through listening to others and learning about how they live. “The broad range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds inherent in our demographic diversity create rich learning communities from which all our students have the opportunity to benefit.” (Framework, par. 7). It is essential that Penn State maintains a diverse community not only with the students, but in the faculty as well. Being presented with different views stimulates a student’s mind to learn more. Developing one’s own beliefs helps shape a person’s individuality. It is important to establish diversity early to help eliminate narrow-mindedness. Diversity goes so much deeper than variety; the definition needs to encompass all aspects of life to fully represent the essence of the word.


Works Cited
Althouse, Richard. “Fact Book”. University Budget Office. 18 Sept. 2005 <http://www.budget.psu.edu/FactBook/StudentDynamic/StudentTableofContents2004.asp>∞.
“Diversity”. Webster’s New Pocket Dictionary. Ed. Jonathon L. Goldman. Cleveland: Wiley Publishing, 2000. 98.
A Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State 2004-09. Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity. 22July 2005. 18 Sept. 2005 <http://www.equity.psu.edu/Framework/intro.asp>∞.