ERIC Number: ED530834
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Sep
Pages: 8
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
New Look at the Impact of Diversity. Commentary
Leon, Raul A.
Association for the Study of Higher Education
Scott Jaschik's article, "New Look at the Impact of Diversity," invites the reader to explore the dynamics of racial diversity on the college environment, discussing the findings of a longitudinal study conducted at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) that provides empirical evidence that documents student's racial attitudes. In a longitudinal study at UCLA, Sidanius and associates found that exposure to other races and ethnicities has a positive impact on the racial attitudes of students (Sidanius, Levin, Van Laar, & Sears, 2008). Their research expands a growing body of literature (AASCU& NASULGC, 2005; Harper & Hurtado, 2007; Milem, Chang, & Antonio, 2005) concerned with identifying educational benefits associated with a diverse college campus. On the other hand, findings of this study also revealed that membership in groups that are defined largely by race and ethnicity (e.g., Black student union, Latino student association, etc.), and in fraternities and sororities whose membership is dominated by one racial group, has a negative impact on intergroup racial attitudes. This commentary explores the implications of these two findings. A list of references and suggested readings is provided. [This document presents a commentary on: "New Look at the Impact of Diversity" by Scott Jaschik published in "Inside Higher Ed" December 19, 2008. "New Look at the Impact of Diversity," its commentary, a list of suggested readings, and discussion questions are included.]
Descriptors: College Environment, Student Diversity, Race, Longitudinal Studies, Social Environment, Student Attitudes, Racial Attitudes, College Housing, College Students, Proximity, Cultural Pluralism, Educational Benefits, Program Effectiveness, Sororities, Fraternities, African American Students, Student Unions, Intergroup Relations
Association for the Study of Higher Education. Box 453068 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154. Tel: 702-895-2737; Fax: 702-895-4269; e-mail: ashe@unlv.edu; Web site: http://www.ashe.ws
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Association for the Study of Higher Education
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A


