The Diversity of Diversity Education

Abstract

This chapter approaches diversity as contextually defined and institutionally embedded. We argue that diversity is not one thing or one set of preferred, universal practices, rather it is a fluid concept defined and enacted for the institutional purpose at hand. Through this approach, we address the disappointment sometimes expressed by those who hold a purist view (i.e., the oft heard complaint that such and such is not “true diversity”). We locate the cause of such disillusionments in part in the failure of diversity educators to actively engage and promote the fluidity of the concept and its many applications. We suggest the way out of this conundrum is to deconstruct the purist view and instead to found diversity practices based on more tangible local organizational objectives.