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What is Diversity?

The Office of the Chancellor Diversity and Multiculturalism division uses the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees-approved definition of diversity.

Diversity 

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system recognizes and respects the importance of all similarities and differences among human beings.

The system and its institutions are committed, through their programs and policies, to fostering inclusiveness, understanding, acceptance ands respect in a multicultural society.  Diversity includes but is not limited to, age, ethnic origin, national origin, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, religious beliefs, creeds and income.  Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system’s commitment to diversity compels it to confront prejudicial, discriminatory or racist behaviors and policies.

How Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action and Diversity Relate to One Another

Although equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity are all different, they are interrelated. Each is directed toward achieving equal opportunity in the workplace. Diversity and affirmative action each broaden the concept of equal employment opportunity in different ways. Diversity, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action provide a strong foundation for the system's efforts to create fair and inclusive workplaces.

Equal Employment Opportunity

• Eliminates discrimination in human resource policies and practices
• Provides equal access and opportunity - no one excluded from participation
• Legally mandated

Affirmative Action

• Targets outreach to underutilized groups
• Helps prevent discrimination, legally mandated
• Measures good faith efforts in making affirmative action progress for minorities and women

Diversity

• Inclusive of all groups
• Focuses on developing an environment that maximizes the potential of all employees by valuing diversity interpersonally and institutionally
• Business necessity given workforce trends
• Broader than ethnicity, race, and gender
• Not legally mandated

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal employment opportunity is the core concept that unifies diversity and affirmative action efforts; that everyone should have equal access to employment opportunities.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities adhere to state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and board policy, both of which prohibit discrimination based on a variety of characteristics.

In addition to race and sex, these characteristics include: Color, national origin, religion, physical or mental ability, marital status, age, sexual orientation and status with regard to public assistance.

Affirmative Action

Affirmative action is one aspect of the federal government's efforts to ensure equal employment opportunity. It was developed because of the need to take "affirmative action" to begin to reverse historic patterns of employment discrimination against minorities and women.

Federal regulations governing Minnesota State College and Universities affirmative action activities require the use of race, ethnicity, or sex in limited circumstances, such as when analyzing the work force to identify areas of underutilization of minorities and women, and establishing goals in affirmative action plans on that basis.

When goals exist, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities may undertake targeted recruitment efforts to ensure that underutilized minorities and women are represented in the applicant pool.

Diversity

Diversity is broader than affirmative action and is voluntary (i.e., it is not "strictly necessary" to incorporate diversity concepts in order to meet federal requirements). Emphasizing diversity moves Minnesota State Colleges and Universities beyond considerations of only race and gender in its efforts to achieve an inclusive work environment.

While affirmative action and equal employment opportunities focus on employment practices, the concept of diversity extends to the work environment, including individual attitudes and behaviors. Yet diversity is related to affirmative action and equal employment opportunity, as there is a direct relationship between individual attitudes and behaviors and employment practices. Diversity workshops can help managers learn a variety of options to enhance diversity and to understand how to consistently apply fair employment practices and procedures.

Actions that promote diversity for staff are those that lead to a work environment that maximizes the potential of all employees while acknowledging their unique contributions and differences

Why is Diversity Important?

Educating faculty and staff on how to work effectively in a diverse environment helps the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities prevent discrimination and promote inclusiveness.

There is evidence that managing a diverse work force well can contribute to increased faculty and staff retention and productivity. Effective management can enhance the organization's responsiveness to an increasingly diverse world of customers, improve relations with the surrounding community, increase the organization's ability to cope with change and expand the creativity of the organization.

In addition to contributing to these business goals, diversity can contribute to goals unique to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities as a statewide system of public higher education, such as increased accessibility and accountability to all residents of the state.

Good management of a diverse work force enhances the ability of the the Office of the Chancellor and the system's colleges and universities to maneuver in an increasingly complex and diverse environment.

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A hearty THANKS!  & Our Best Wishes to Ka  Vang from StrategicDiversity.com