How Racially Diverse Classrooms Benefit All
By: Nick Dong
Numerous schools across the nation lack diversity but some leaders are calling for change | Image: Shutterstock
In an increasingly globalized and interconnected world, the ability to understand and navigate this diversity is becoming ever more important. As communities grow in diversity, it is important that schools reflect this same diversity. Despite the ruling of Brown v. Board of Education over 70 years ago that ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, many schools in the United States remain racially segregated today. However, racially diverse schools allow students of all backgrounds to engage with numerous perspectives, learn to appreciate differences, and prepare for a future where cross-cultural interactions are the norm. Schools are not only environments for intellectual growth but also for personal and social development.
Better Academic Outcomes
Racially diverse classrooms benefit students from minority backgrounds by providing these minority students with resources that would otherwise be unavailable to them if they were in a predominantly colored school. However, it's not just these students that benefit from being in a racially diverse classroom. All students, regardless of race, are exposed to different perspectives, learning styles, and approaches to problem-solving. In doing so, these classrooms foster a more inclusive learning environment where students feel like they belong. Research has indicated that racially diverse schools have improved student retention rates and decreased absenteeism, essential for a student’s success (Rix). Moreover, racially diverse classrooms provide students with new perspectives and experiences as they will engage with classmates who think, learn, and perceive the world differently. In doing so, it challenges the student to think critically and expand their own understanding of issues. Research has shown that diversity promotes improved decision-making and problem-solving skills among students, essential in one's education (American University). These skills are also vital in the way these students approach life in the future.
Encouraging Belonging
Attending a racially diverse school promotes belonging, boosting self-esteem and confidence | Image Source: Pacific Union College
For students from underrepresented backgrounds, attending a racially diverse school can foster a stronger sense of belonging and identity. When students see their cultures, traditions, and experiences reflected in the classroom, they are more likely to feel valued and understood (Smith). Stereotypes and prejudices harm minority students as they lack a sense of safety and belonging in the classroom. However, exposure to different backgrounds allows students from majority racial backgrounds to respect others and have positive attitudes towards individuals who are different from them, rather than negative views. This positive sense of identity and belonging can increase students’ self-esteem, resulting in better academic performance. As students build meaningful relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds, they are equipped with the tools and skills to foster a more inclusive environment.
Preparing Students for the Future
One of the most significant benefits of racially diverse schools is the opportunity they provide for students to develop empathy and tolerance for others. When students are exposed to peers from different racial and cultural backgrounds, they learn to see the world from multiple perspectives and become more self-aware (Bekele and Allen). This exposure helps create a more inclusive and empathetic approach to interactions with others by breaking down stereotypes. Additionally, these students learn to respect cultural differences, improving their social and collaborative skills. Whether students go on to work in multinational companies, study abroad, or engage with people from diverse backgrounds, their ability to understand and navigate cultural differences will be a crucial asset. Moreover, racially diverse schools give students a perspective on social justice, equity, and inclusion, shaping future changemakers. An early exposure and understanding of these issues help build leaders who will advocate for change and lead efforts to create more equitable societies.
Conclusion
Racially diverse schools and classrooms should be the norm, not the exception, as they allow students to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. From fostering empathy and belonging to preparing future leaders, racially diverse schools are key in creating well-rounded, socially responsible individuals who can thrive in an interconnected society. Embracing diversity isn’t just a matter of fairness, it’s a fundamental step in acknowledging our past mistakes and building a future where equality, understanding, and respect are the basis of all actions.
References
Bekele, Isabel, and Noura Allen. “How a Diverse Classroom Benefits All Students and Instructors .” College of Professional Studies - Home of Syracuse University’s Part-Time Students, 25 Oct. 2023, professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/2023/10/25/how-a-diverse-classroom-benefits-all-students-and-instructors/#:~:text=Increasing%20self%2Dawareness%3A,that%20are%20more%20self%2Daware.
“The Benefits of Inclusion and Diversity in the Classroom: American University.” School of Education Online, American University, 16 Apr. 2024, soeonline.american.edu/blog/benefits-of-inclusion-and-diversity-in-the-classroom/.
Rix, Kate. “Dallas Parents Flocking to Schools That Pull Students from Both Rich and Poor Parts of Town.” The Hechinger Report, 8 Aug. 2022, hechingerreport.org/dallas-parents-flocking-to-schools-that-pull-students-from-both-rich-and-poor-parts-of-town/.
Smith, Jeremy Adam. “How Students Benefit from School Diversity.” Greater Good, 15 Aug. 2017, greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_students_benefit_from_school_diversity.
Wells, Amy Stuart, et al. “How Racially Diverse Schools and Classrooms Can Benefit All Students.” The Century Foundation, 28 Jan. 2020, tcf.org/content/report/how-racially-diverse-schools-and-classrooms-can-benefit-all-students/#:~:text=Diversity%20benefits%20that%20are%20more,on%20less%20diverse%20college%20campuses.
