?These words are written on the second page of the University of Wisconsin-Madison viewbook. In recruiting, the university advertises this as a part of the Wisconsin Experience, and in choosing Bucky, students come here expecting the same. It is pivotal for the university to take an active role in helping foster and create that diverse environment.
When we think of the word university, the first thing we think of is education. However, as we know, at University of Wisconsin-Madison, we’re about the "Wisconsin Experience." Education is undeniably one of the most important aspects of this experience, but when a student first sets foot on the university, what that student carries away with them throughout the rest of their lives is more than simply the knowledge from such a high quality education. It is the full immersion of having been a part of the Wisconsin community. It is the experience of bearing witness to, being changed by, and personally contributing to the diverse culture that uniquely defines UW-Madison.
I’ll admit that I didn’t notice this at first, but when it was pointed out to me, I began to notice that I walk in a mostly homogeneous campus. We hear so much about promoting diversity, but look at the composition of students on campus, and we begin to wonder whether we’re doing enough. Persons of color are present, but the vast majority of persons are white. Now, diversity comes in many forms, including religion, political affiliation and socioeconomic class, but when something as easy to differentiate as race is so dramatically under-represented on campus, I think it is most certainly an appropriate time to address this issue.
?Diversity grants us knowledge, different perspectives, and builds us up as individuals, preparing us to reach out as more rounded and enlightened people. Diversity blesses us with the opportunity to have that exposure because not all have the chance to share and learn from the experiences of people from other walks of life, and we should strive to be able to escape the monotony of being presented with only one narrow unchallenged consensus. It ought not be an extra secondary step to promote diversity, because diversity should be a priority in the educational and life experience that UW-Madison offers. There is no reason why this should not be taken seriously and held with as much importance as education in the "Wisconsin Experience," and it is encouraging and pivotal that the university is working to support diversity.
Sometimes, I find myself thinking about the ethnic studies requirement. It’s a step in the right direction, but it’s also somewhat out of tune. We’re looking at this wrong if we make diversity a burden; something to be checked off. Diversity shouldn’t be a part of the requirement. Diversity should be a part of the experience.
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