When interviewed for the article, “Student Leaders Begin Diversity Campaign,” I was asked how the For All campaign would benefit the organizations I represent. This is not an unusual question, nor is it something I haven’t been asked before. Nevertheless, it made me pause. Of course, as someone who is a part of a minority religious group, I benefit from a more inclusive campus. However, when we talk about inclusivity and diversity in these terms, when we question each individual’s personal stake in the matter, we end up missing the point.
When those of us in the For All campaign say diversity and inclusion is not just for racial and gender minorities, we do not mean to delegitimize the grievances of minority groups. On the contrary, we mean to say that the grievances of minority groups are the same grievances we all ought to have. A lack of diversity and inclusion hurts not just the minorities that are underrepresented, but also those from majority groups who are denied the opportunity to interact with and learn from students of different backgrounds.
Representation of people of different backgrounds is the first step in achieving our goal, but it is by no means the last. We need to go a step further and truly engage and learn from all aspects of diversity at our school. We need to recognize how integral diversity and inclusion are to a holistic education that prepares students for the real world.
The For All campaign is about recognizing that a diverse and inclusive campus is something that benefits all of us, and it’s something all students should strive for. The For All campaign is about celebrating and embracing differences, not erasing them. It’s about realizing that learning is simply better when it involves interaction with students who have unique perspectives and experiences. We’re so excited to make this student-driven campaign a reality, and we hope you’ll be too.
Dana Khabbaz
dkhabbaz@umail.iu.edu
