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The timing of this publication is fortuitous in light of the recent Supreme Court decision on the University of Michigan Law School case. The Court took the leadership role in confirming that excellence and diversity are not mutually exclusive. Justice O’Connor wrote, “Our conclusion that the Law School has a compelling interest in a diverse student body is informed by our view that attaining a diverse student body is at the heart of the Law School’s proper institutional mission.” She further remarked, “It is necessary that the path to leadership be visibly open to talented and qualified individuals of every race and ethnicity.” We ask that you assume a leadership role as well at your respective institutions by clarifying the significance of diversity, as the Court has done. James Kouzes and Barry Posner, in the Academic Administrator’s Guide to Exemplary Leadership, tell us that as leaders we must be prepared with key messages we want to send. “Constantly ask yourself, what values do we hold dear, what visions do we aspire to realize and what behaviors do we want to reinforce? Be prepared for every public opportunity to reinforce the culture and the meaning you want to create.” Thus, the varied articles included in this edition were prepared with the intention of giving readers the opportunity to sharpen their leading message on diversity. In creating and enhancing diversity, whether it is through technology, research, service learning, student organizations, contributions to the community, or within academic programs, you will find much to contemplate. One author summarizes it best by stating: “Inclusiveness is a strategic imperative!” Finally, the Final Comment is a thoughtful piece by someone who was personally reminded of the great harm that came to his family through the atrocities of racism. We included this article because it is believed that by looking back at history one can better define one’s purpose in the quest for a respectful and more inclusive society. We thank you for joining us in this venture by continuing to read the Diversity Exchange.
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The Diversity Exchange magazine, in its sixth edition, will serve as a vehicle to facilitate your pursuits in bringing greater understanding of diversity to your institutions. With that role in mind, we selected the themes Leadership, Values, and Change. It takes leaders to launch the vision and make the right decisions; it takes established institutional values to ensure decisions are based on a solid foundation of beliefs; and it takes courage to bring about necessary change.
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