Week 4 Notes While Intersectional Theory tells us that we cannot see

Week 4 Notes

While Intersectional Theory tells us that we cannot see different categories of identity as

mutually exclusive, we can explore instances in which particular aspects of identity have

come to the forefront. Understanding diversity means exploring how diversity practices (or

practices that reject diversity) have been implemented in everyday life. Using the terms,

concepts, and theories from this course we can examine how matters of diversity have been

made visible in universities.

Matters of Diversity Concerning Race and Ethnicity

“The College Scholarship Conundrum”

In recent times, there has been a public debate about the place of diversity in institutions of

higher education, and in particular, whether universities or other organization should make

scholarships available exclusively for specific racial or ethnic groups. While these groups

continue to be underrepresented in public and private universities around the country, that

has not stopped many people from arguing such scholarships are either inherently unfair, or

allow unqualified students into college classes. Some suggest that such scholarships should

be discontinued and others still have proposed more radical solutions. One such individual

was Colby Bohannan, who in 2011 a group called the “Former Majority for Equality,” an

organization that offered a scholarship to white men only.

To read an interview with Bohannan, click on the following link:

https://www.npr.org/2011/03/17/134623120/college-scholarship-targets-white-men-only

Other have argued Bohannan’s efforts are based upon a misguided sense of white male

victimhood. Writer Mark Kantrowitz points out that minority students are still less likely to

receive scholarships than their white counterparts, something he explores at length in his

research on the subject.

http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/20110902racescholarships.pdfMatters of Diversity Concerning Gender and Sexuality

“Prioritizing Tran-Inclusivity”

College campuses have also had to consider matters of diversity when it comes to gender

and sexuality. Recently, LGTBQ advocate organizations have argued for the need for greater

trans-inclusivity, including the need for considering trans populations in student

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housing. Advocacy groups point out the Title IX law (1972) prohibits discrimination on the

basis of gender for all schools that receive federal funding.

Articles which explore the matter more in-depth can be found here:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-lgbt-education/college-dorms-a-new-front-in-u-s-battle-over-transgender-rights-idUSKCN0YW15P

https://www.calstate.edu/gc/documents/NACUANOTESTransgenderIssuesonCampus.pdf

Matters of Diversity Concerning Class

“Student Loans as a Life Sentence”

As college tuition has risen dramatically over the past thirty years (refer to the chart below)

students, particularly working class students, have found it more and more difficult to pay

for higher education without a loan.

Note that the chart is adjusted for the value of the 2016 dollar, which makes the rise in costs

all the more stunning. Given that in particular four-year state universities have seen

dramatic increases, those who cannot pay out of pocket are faced with the difficult choice

of acquiring crushing debt or choosing not to go to college at all, making even public

institutions more inaccessible.

The following article offers more detail on the matter:

https://blackyouthproject.com/student-loan-debt-is-becoming-a-life-sentence-in-the-us/