The diversity definition and dilemma

Were I asked to take up the task of teaching a 'diversity' course to college students, I would probably start in this fashion. Prior to any lectures or readings, I'd require students to produce papers of two to three pages in length, responding to the these initial thinking points for further reflection and development in the course.

1. Define 'diversity' as you understand it.

2. Are there 'good' and 'bad' forms of diversity?

3. Is the pursuit of demographic diversity based on 'social justice' or on a desire for better decision making, a more productive, wealthy society?

4. Are more 'diverse' countries safer, more productive, happier, or more 'equal' than 'less diverse' countries?

5. Is a significant difference -- i.e., a high level of diversity -- in the basic values and beliefs of various demographic groups likely to lead to conflict or a better society? If the latter, how and who would define 'better' if values differ significantly?

6. Discuss the rhetoric around the "value of diversity," e.g., "Diversity is our strength." Provide any empirical evidence as to the importance or value of diversity.

7. Do efforts to use demographic diversity as a goal require stereotyping -- assuming and assigning common characteristics consistent across an entire ethnic group -- of different demographic groups?

8. What groups should pursue a strategy of having their membership and leadership reflect the demographic diversity of the region where they operate? For example, should the demographics/diversity of the administrators, faculty and students of a private university with an international reach mirror the diversity of the city, state, country or world in which the university operates? Would your answer be different from a 'public' university?

Coming soon: Should groups espousing 'inclusion' be allowed to exclude anyone from becoming a member of their group? Or, for that matter, should groups espousing tolerance be required to tolerate people and ideas that are consistent with those of the group?