International diversity in US/Canada
New Discoveries- new knowledge, New Insights- are never homogeneous. Diversity allows for new shapes, textures and imaginings of knowledge; it encourages the innovation and insight that is essential to the creation of knowledge. A diverse community of scholars asks diverse questions and has diverse insights, and so pushes the forefront of knowledge further, faster.
Diversity create a more dynamic intellectual environment and a richer educational experience. A diverse environment fosters a plurality of perspectives. It creates the possibility of discourse and learning by talented people of various cultures, backgrounds and experiences.
Diversity in U.S universities
Supporting diversity and creating a sense of inclusiveness for minority and international students are growing priorities for U.S. graduate schools. The University of Virginia has recently been awarded for its new program to support graduate student diversity . The graduate study at U.S university offers opportunity for students to come together, challenge each others ideas, learn new perspectives and grow as individuals. It holds out the hope that the next generation of leaders will understand that our differences are our strengths, that our diversity can be the essence of our excellence. Diverse environment at these universities helps students from all races and backgrounds to work effectively in a decidedly more diverse work place.
United States Anti-Racism Act/Laws
Considering the enormous consequences of discriminatory acts toward children in school, the United states had made various promises under the CERD, the CAT, the ICCPR, and the Programme of Action from the World Conference on Racism to eliminate the racially discriminatory practices in the American public education system.
The CERD requires every child to have a right to an education
The ICCPR states that children have a right to be protected, irrespective of their skin color.
The CAT requires all forms of torture to be eliminated; this includes the severe mental suffering that is associated with discrimination.
The universities in U.S and Canada value the diverse community and aims to ensure that no one in the university community is disadvantaged on the grounds of race, cultural background, ethnic or national origin or religious belief. In order to combat the racial discrimination, universities like Lancaster, Kingston, Stanford etc. have adopted equal opportunities statement. The Race Relations Act ensures that issues of race equality are taken account of in all policy making, service delivery, regulation and enforcement and employment practice.
What do the students have to say?
"Coming to Wilson with the opportunity to read for my bachelor's degree in international relations was the beginning of a stream of opportunities. Wilson has not only displayed all the proverbial 'windows' as options, but has also given me the opportunity to open the ones most suited to my academic interests and to gaze beyond the present. Wilson supported my study abroad in Beijing China as well as in London." says Jing Luan, a student at Wilson College
"I recommend Wilson because of the variety of programs it offers its international students. One experience that I really enjoyed and learned a lot from is the NMUN (National Model United Nation) program. For this, I went to Washington D.C. and New York, and I had a chance to explore what it is like to be a diplomat. After this, I became more certain in my major and my choices for the future." says Mariam Khalifeh, a student at Wilson College.
Image Credit: tristanbrand
