Does Diversity Training Impact the Classroom?
On One Hand: Diffuses Classroom HostilitiesDuring a March 2010 school board meeting, in Sylvania, Ohio parents addressed concerns regarding racism and bullying. Despite massive cultural shifts in the last 30 years, racial allegations such as these remain common throughout schools in the United States. In a 1995 USA Weekend survey of 248,000 American students, nearly half stated they had, “personally experienced prejudice in the previous year.” Diversity training can strongly impact a classroom and prevent hostility and isolation of culturally diverse or minority students. As professionally trained teachers broaden students’ outlook, respect and sensitivity toward other classmates and cultures is a byproduct.On the Other: Offers Expanded WorldviewDiversity training does more than minimize culturally tense situations in classrooms. Training also impacts and enhances the education received in the classroom. A goal of diversity training is provide students opportunities to learn about cult
