A beast-sized problem

Apparently IU President Michael McRobbie  is trying to pay more attention to the diversity programs on campus, $1 million worth of attention that is.

IU spokesman Larry MacIntyre said the additional funding is part of an effort to increase diversity on campus. It’s a nice sentiment, but it might not be enough.
How is $1 million worth of aid to existing diversity programs supposed to substantially increase the amount of minorities applying and attending IU next fall? While the new earmark made headlines, the money could be spread so thin it won’t even make a difference.

It could take a whole lot more than $1 million to sway a member of a minority to come to IU, a school where only 10 percent of students are racial minorities.

Of course it’s a good thing that more attention is being paid to the diversity programs on campus. An extra $1 million for diversity programs certainly won’t hurt, even if more may be needed.

It’s just unfortunate that only so much can be done to foster diversity at the university level. Making IU truly inclusive for Indiana’s minority population will require the help of the state at large.

Also while spending more money on existing programs is good, IU could be doing more to promote a more accepting environment and welcoming image to prospective students. For instance, how many minorities and women actually hold leadership positions in the IU administration?

The publicity this earmark got might be a sign that furthering diversity is a real commitment for this administration and this campus. We certainly hope so.
Because unfortunately using the announcement of additional funds for a publicity stunt is not unheard of.

This extra $1 million must produce real tangible results. No one will be impressed with a hollow publicity stunt.