In this article, the author discusses the practical, theoretical, and empirical rationale for linking diversity with the central educational and civic mission of higher education. While these links may be obvious to some, oftentimes diversity and race issues are conspicuously absent from discussions about learning and civic education. This research provides additional evidence for the educational benefits of diversity, extending links with learning outcomes, and significantly extending the research defining citizenship in a multicultural society. Finally higher education can achieve its responsibility for advancing social progress, by delineating the issues that highlight the increasing complexity of inequality in higher education and potential solutions.