Why does diversity matter at the University of Arizona?
As stated by President Shelton, “Being able to function in a diverse community – one that features diversity in background, culture, religion, politics, ethnicity – is critical to success in our world. Thus, it is critical to the education we provide. We do not live in a homogenous world, and providing a diverse campus experience for our students will help us ensure the greatness that is expected of the University of Arizona.” Writing for the Supreme Court in Grutter v. Bollinger, 539 U.S. 306 (2003), Justice (and Arizonan) Sandra Day O’Connor explained the importance of diversity for education, national security, and the development of our citizens and future leaders: [T]he educational benefits that diversity is designed to produce … are substantial. … “[C]lassroom discussion is livelier, more spirited, and simply more enlightening and interesting” when the students have “the greatest possible variety of backgrounds.” …[N]umerous studies show that student body diversity promotes learn
