You have just been hired to create a diversity awareness program. Identify three elements the program should include, and explain why each element is important.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Student answers will vary but may include the following elements with explanations for each:

provide organizational members with accurate information about diversity;

uncovering personal biases and stereotypes; assessing personal beliefs, attitudes, and values and learning about other points of view;

overturning inaccurate stereotypes and beliefs about different groups;

developing an atmosphere in which people feel free to share their differing perspectives and points of view;

and improving understanding of others who are different from oneself.

For example, providing accurate information is important because every person brings possibly inaccurate stereotypes or biases to the mix based on their backgrounds and experiences. Fostering sharing of different points of view is important for people to feel understood and also learn about other perspectives to address differences directly.