The role of a leader in ethical treatment in the diversity on campus cannot be underestimated. The leader is the person to sets an example, the one who teaches others about tolerance towards representatives of different races and ethnic origins. A leader has to show continuous commitment to diversity through training students as well as faculty on diversity issues. The goal of ethical treatment is to ensure that minority groups are treated with respect. The leader is the facilitator of building an inclusive community on campus. Moreover, the leader should provide information about cultural and ethnic differences and educate students on how to communicate with each other. Finally, the leader is responsible for preventing ethnic conflicts and building a friendly environment for all students.
From the perspective of leadership theory, a leader can influence the success of any kind of organization through his/her efforts and those of others and provide a solid foundation for consideration of diversity issues related to education (Winston 2001). The American demographics are changing and the diversity of the U.S. population is increasing. As the result, the students’ communities become increasingly diverse. The leader should facilitate the integration of ethnically diverse students into campus and university life and ensure that every person, despite his race or ethnicity, has an opportunity to participate in university life. The leader is responsible for preparing future graduates to enter a diverse workforce and wider societal setting.
The leader has to assume responsibility for centralizing diversity-related programs and involving students in projects. Some universities and colleges start initiatives aimed at ensuring the ethical treatment of culturally and ethnically diverse students. The so-called Campus Diversity Initiative, for example, is aimed at increasing the access and success of disadvantaged students (Smith, 2004). The campus leader should be willing to organize and carry out local initiatives aimed at educating students on diversity. According to research, there is considerable overlap in campus goals and strategies (Smith 2004). It means that the leader does not have to invent new programs, he can learn about different activities at other universities. In any case, the leader has to be active and responsive to the needs of diverse students.
The leader should encourage communication among diverse students. Eau and Angie come from different countries and introduce each other to the dance, food, and dress of their native countries (Claire and Hambrick, 2007). In this simple example, two representatives of different countries educate each other on their culture. The leader is responsible for educating students to recognize the differences between diverse cultures. Students should not only hear about the differences from a person who is a member of their community, they should communicate with each other and learn about differences not from books, but rather from their peers.
Finally, the leader is responsible for including diversity issues into university culture. The ethical code should be written and distributed among the students. Ethical treatment should become a rule which cannot be violated and the leader is should become the most important person in delivering the message on diversity to students. Tolerance and recognition of cultural and ethical differences cannot be achieved within one day and requires continuous hard work. The leader should be devoted to promoting ethical treatment of diversity on campus continuously. He should ensure free access to all students to information on diversity. In addition, the leader must promote communication among diverse students and ensure that differences are not stressed. In conclusion, the leader has to be active and willing to organize events aimed at bringing diverse students together.
References
- Claire, E. & Hambrick, A. (2007). Diversity key theme across campus. Pacific Lutheran University.
- Smith, D. (2004). The Campus Diversity Initiative: Anticipating the Future.
- Winston, M. (2001, November). The Importance of Leadership Diversity: The Relationship between Diversity and Organizational Success in the Academic Environment. College and Research Libraries, pp. 517-525.