Analyzing My University's Diversity Policy From a Student's Perspective

In addressing the issue of if and how diversity policies should be pursued, it is important to address the underlying rationales of the diversity principle. Diversity as a policy objective grows directly out of the community of ideas descriptions support of the widest possible distribution of information from diverse and opposed sources in an effort to promote goals such as informed decision making, cultural pluralism, citizen welfare, and a well-functioning democracy. In addition, the concept of diversity also encompasses workforce, which is defined in terms of the ethnic and gender composition. This component of diversity is best represented by the Commission’s EEO (EEOC) policies.

The University is intent on advancing equality and diversity as key features within all its activities, as it believes this to be ethically right and socially responsible. Equality and diversity are essential factors that contribute to the academic and economic strengths of the University. The University’s egalitarian ideology of equality and diversity provides for coordination and implementation at a strategic level and is supported by additional policies that provide for a University-wide integrated approach to equality and diversity.

The University believes that excellence will be achieved through recognizing the value of every individual. The University aims to create an environment that respects the diversity of staff and students and enables them to achieve their full potential, to contribute fully, and to derive maximum benefit and enjoyment from their involvement in the life of the University. To this end, the University acknowledges the following basic rights for all members and prospective members of its community:
·    to be treated with respect and dignity
·    to be treated fairly with regard to all procedures, assessments and choices
·    to receive encouragement to reach their full potential

These rights carry with them responsibilities and the University requires all members of the community to recognize these rights and to act in accordance with them in all dealings with fellow members of the University. In addition, the University will comply with all relevant legislation and good practice.

No individual will be unjustifiably discriminated against because justice requires that everyone has equal opportunity to succeed in life. This includes, but not exclusively, on the basis of age, gender, race/ethnicity, class, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and other human differences that contribute to the richness and vitality of our living community for any other reason.

The University’s governing body, has overall responsibility for ensuring that the University operates within a framework of equality of opportunity. The University recognizes that all of its staff and students have a duty to support and uphold the principles contained in its diversity policy and supporting policies. The commitment of all members of the University’s community is required to make the strategy a success. Faculty and staff Groups provide a more focused forum where policies and action plans on race (including religion), disability, gender, age, and widening participation can be developed, progressed, and monitored. Personnel services have produced a people strategy, which further supports the University’s commitment to equality of opportunity.

However, the diversity program does not define how the University tends to implement it. They should briefly define the procedures and requirements involved. Maybe mention some statistics of how resources are going to be allocated.

Reference:
Boatright, John R. (2003). “Ethics and The Conduct of Business.” Upper Saddle River:
                  Prentice Hall