Diversity and multi-cultural programs on college campuses are not as diverse as they may seem. Nearly all of the programs promote African-American culture, Hispanic culture, or other minority groups. However, none of them promote the Caucasian population. Many people do not stop to think that true cultural diversity cannot exist unless every culture is treated equally. Diversity is not about African-Americans more than it is about Hispanics; it is not about the minority more than it is about the majority. Still, conversations about diversity never seem to mention the Caucasian population that is also a necessary and equal part of the multicultural melting pot that is America. There are certain groups and communities created for the minority; however, the majority group is frequently left out. There are not many organizations specifically for the majority.

The Ohio State University tries to create a diverse atmosphere by paying attention to the many ethnic groups on campus, ranging from the All-Ethiopian Student Association to the Vietnamese Student Association. I believe it is beneficial to have such an extensive number of organizations dedicated to different backgrounds; it is surely a necessary part of college life. Nevertheless, there is not one student organization that is intended for the Caucasian population. Recognition of the Caucasian community is just as important to achieving true diversity as is the acknowledgment of any other population. Consequently, there should also be an association for Caucasian students in order to make the list of ethnic organizations complete. Every race is a culture to be embraced; there is uniqueness about every individual on this planet. Creating groups dedicated to appreciating every race is educational for a college campus, and students should be taking advantage of these opportunities to learn about their cultures.

Campuses are attempting to treat everyone equally. In doing so, however, the minority groups tend to be isolated and the Caucasian majority is left out, causing inequality.

Creating a new minority group dedicated specifically to a certain nationality on campus has never seemed to bring about an uprising from others. However, if there was a club or an organization dedicated to white students, problems may arise. Some people may feel that it is racist to have a group for Caucasians, saying it is inappropriate to form an organization for the majority race. In reality, it is not racist because diversity includes everyone from every background. As long as this Caucasian group includes anyone who wants to be a part of it, no matter their background, there is no discrimination. However, the lack of an organization for the Caucasian community is discrimination.

Racial intolerance is a prevalent problem on many college campuses. Colleges and universities try to alleviate problems of racism and discrimination by setting up special living communities which allow people of a certain nationality or culture to live together. Creating these living areas may seem like a great idea, yet it is causing more division between races. Having like groups of people isolate themselves by living in a house or dorm eliminates their diversity. Neither the people who live in these secluded communities nor the rest of the campus’s residential population get the full experience of cultural diversity at Ohio State. The university is a unique school because of its many groups, clubs, religions, races and hobbies, but when people start cutting themselves off from others, the diversity disappears. Obviously a living community of just one race is not diverse. While it is reassuring to have security in living with people who share the same background, everyone needs to branch out and face diversity head on.

Colleges around America are trying to make their campuses more diverse. At Ohio State, there is an Office of Minority Affairs. This office serves as an aid to minorities, helping to make sure those students graduate on time. Offering this sort of aid to minority students makes Ohio State a safer and more appealing place for some students, possibly even persuading them to enroll at this university. I believe offices like this are essential for a campus, but I do not think they should be limited to minority students. Such an office would also be helpful for students who are in the majority. Any service being offered by the university should be offered to all students, giving each student the same opportunity for success.

Are college campuses really becoming more diverse, or are they becoming less diverse through special organizations, living communities, and extra help to people of a minority background? Campuses are attempting to treat everyone equally. In doing so, however, the minority groups tend to be isolated and the Caucasian majority is left out, causing inequality. Some may see it as racism if the majority is included in these special groups and communities. Everyone needs to see that diversity embraces all people of all backgrounds, including Caucasians. America is a melting pot of ethnicities, but to keep it diverse, we cannot continue to make special organizations for one race and leave others out. Everyone deserves to be treated equally, even the people in the majority.