Diversity is defined in Webster's dictionary as:
"the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc."
The American School Counseling Association (ASCA) lists diversity as one of their core values. Seeking a diverse school environment where differences are acknowledged, celebrated, and appreciated is such an important goal. In order to make everyone in the student body feel welcomed and value, a clearly communicated stance on diversity is required for a counseling program.
In accordance with ASCA's Statement of Diversity, some clear components for the program would be:
Diversity is important to have in leadership populations and clubs.
Creating intentional opportunities to promote and celebrate diversity school wide.
Incorporating diverse individuals from outside programs.
Recognizing diversity in one-on-one counseling sessions, and making sure to be culturally sensitive to these.
When considering minority populations in the school, it is important to promote students from this population in organizations. I think it is also the responsibility of the school counselor to advocate for diverse individuals being represented in outside speakers and programs. Students getting to see people similar to themselves represented in different spheres helps them to see how big they can dream and how much they can achieve.
The following video comes from an article The Benefits of Socioeconomically and Racially Integrated Schools and Classrooms.
This video and the previous article make very significant points as to why diversity in the school and classroom is important. The article lists the academic, cognitive, civic, social-emotional, and economic benefits. Some of their points I found the most surprising and beneficial are:
1. Schools with more integrated and diverse populations and classrooms create a more critical-thinking and problem solving individuals. This is because the students in the classrooms come from different backgrounds so approach problems and issues differently. Creating a school environment that acknowledges diversity helps create more wholistic mindsets for the students.
2. Students that are a part of more diverse programs have stereotypes reduced, seek diverse environments later, and have positive mental health benefits such as reduced anxiety in social settings.
These benefits along with several others listed in the article is why it is important as a school counselor to create a culture of celebration when it comes to diversity. I am excited to get to be a part of creating or assisting a program and school environment that appreciates and acknowledges diversity. Diversity means seeing differences all around you, and celebrating them. Diversity is not monochromatic!
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