Chapter 10: Educating and Engaging Students as Emerging Agents of Social Change in a Diverse Community

There was a time when American culture emphasized assimilation and the nation prided itself on being viewed as a “melting pot.” Although assimilation has its merits, people have come to understand the value of embracing and celebrating diversity in its various forms and of viewing this nation as more of a “salad bowl.” Over the years, the United States has become increasingly diverse in terms of race and culture; however, diversity of social class has not kept pace. As a result, institutions of higher education have been grappling with the issue of underrepresentation of traditional minority groups amid wide gaps in educational opportunities. Some institutions have developed initiatives not only to increase student diversity but also to provide opportunities for students to learn about multiple forms of difference as a critical component of living with others in a diverse world. In this chapter, we examine a civic engagement initiative that is premised on the idea that colleges and universities have an obligation to prepare students to play a crucial role in effecting positive social change in a diversity society. The chapter offers perspectives on diversity and inclusion in the context of civic engagement and social justice.