This speech argues the need for higher education to respond to the challenge of diversity as well as the opportunity to create institutions wedded to the belief that multiculturalism and diversity are prerequisites for excellence in the 21st century in American society. It is noted that current educational programs, particularly in elementary through secondary school, are not serving all the students within the American educational system. It is argued that higher education institutions must create a sense of community that is conducive to education, retention, and success of all students, but there has been a failure to respond to the increasingly culturally diverse student population and the related need for minority faculty. Two challenges are proposed. The first is how higher education relates to the demographic shifts in the population, in light of the hysteria and emotion of the general society and the associated political interests. The second is how U.S. education in the K-12 and higher education systems, along with the professional fields of practice, cooperate and collaborate with local and state communities to provide relief to the public and the increasingly global community of the schools. Presented is a list of news media articles on diversity and multiculturalism. (GLR)