Michigan State University Extension
Diversity and Pluralism - 11180025
12/95/
ERIC TITLE NUMBER: ED343511 AUTHOR: Obiakor, Festus E.
TITLE: Multiculturalism in Higher Education: A Myth or
Reality?
YEAR PUBLISHED: 1992
NOTE: 20 p.; Paper presented at the Multicultural Fair
(Chattanooga, TN, February 6, 1992).
ABSTRACT: This paper discusses the realities of
multiculturalism in America's higher education and presents
strategies for enhancing multiculturalism on college and
university campuses. It examines what multiculturalism is
and lists the various myths about it that have permeated
the academic community. In response to these myths,
solutions are examined that cover the following areas: (1)
responding to affirmative action regulations; (2) providing
funds; (3) broadening curricula; (4) redirecting testing
and instruction; and (5) dealing with the problem of
educational institutions not reaching out to minorities. It
is noted that higher education has failed in its ability to
respond to basic needs of nontraditional at-risk students,
but also mentions that it is difficult to use traditional
strategies to work with nontraditional students. Eight
nontraditional strategies are identified to assist
predominately white colleges to foster multiculturalism on
their campuses. Finally, it is suggested that because of
the fewer numbers of minority administrators, faculty,
staff, and students in predominately white colleges and
universities, that these institutions should continuously
reassess and reevaluate their recruitment, retention, and
graduation policies. Contains 33 references. (GLR)
KEY DESCRIPTORS: Affirmative-Action; College-Curriculum;
Educational-Environment; Minority-Groups; Nontraditional
Students; Postsecondary-Education; Racial-Relations;
Student Subcultures
KEY DESCRIPTORS: *Change-Strategies; *Cultural-Pluralism;
*Higher-Education; *Multicultural-Education; *Racial
Attitudes; *Racial-Bias
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