We must keep in mind that when creating an environment of diversity, we are also promoting a breeding ground for unlimited conflict [nice]. Many people are not used to being placed into a situation where the people around them do not have similar views and interests. When interacting with friends, differences are generally minimal. Friends are usually people who have the same interests and agree on many things. However, when combining such a large group of people from all walks of life, some conflict must be expected. Just by walking outside, many divisions are evident. People on one side of the street are yelling, “E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles”, 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 seem to stem from differences of opinion. At Penn State, diverse opinions are everywhere. Opinion is evident when concerning many political 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 constantly disagree over who or what is right. However, this diversity is essential in a university atmosphere. If there is 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 in turn strengthen our own views. By strengthening our own views, we become more involved in the world. If we are more involved in the world, then we have more control over our futures. Diversity appears to be [a] crucial to enhance[ment of] learning at any university.

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 students come from different parts of the world with unique culture, values, and beliefs that were instilled in them from their hometown [this doesn't really add anything to your point]. However, if we learn about others, then we in turn teach people about ourselves [nice]. Students who come in contact with others who are different from them[selves] are able to build an understanding for the way others live their lives [this isn't a bad sentence, but you restate what was said in the previous sentence]. This will help to build a tolerant community and end “sheltered” upbringings. The way one is brought up shapes 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. Skin color should not be the only factor used in considering the definition. Opinions, values, beliefs, morals, and even conflict [again, same thing I said above] 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 thought, then the world would be one mind-numbing place. It would be difficult to grow intellectually. We learn by listening to others and observing 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, develop one’s own beliefs, and shape one’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.