UCLA is the only University of California campus without a
diversity requirement, and the Academic Senate should vote to
implement one by the end of the year. Though action this year is
needed, the Academic Senate should make sure the requirement
reflects meaningful changes, instead of creating new labels for
existing programs.
The current proposal before the senate suggests as many as 60
percent of all General Education classes could be considered
diversity classes. Though there is no doubt that many classes at
UCLA have elements which could be considered examples of a broad
definition of diversity, the current threshold is too lenient.
Some argue that existing classes can fulfill the diversity
requirement. But using existing classes means professors would not
have to modify their courses, and students would not have to take
additional GE classes. Giving existing classes a diversity label
also costs nothing. Considering the litany of budget cuts to hit
the UC in recent years, cost is understandably a pressing
issue.
But by simply applying a “diversity credit” label to
a huge number of existing classes, the requirement loses most of
its meaning. Student leaders have said the diversity requirement
must highlight the differences between cultures and social groups
““ and they are right. Since the current proposal sees the
requirement fulfilled with a single class, classes meeting the
requirement should be tailored to fit specific guidelines rather
than a general definition almost any class could meet.
If students are only required to take one of the dozens of
classes already offered, it is easy to imagine that the diversity
requirement will not have a significant impact on the curriculum.
Considering 60 percent of classes would qualify, most students have
likely already taken one of the courses ““ and there is no
doubt that UCLA students need more exposure to diverse
viewpoints.
If professors are not encouraged to reexamine their current
courses so that they address questions of race, gender, sexuality
and power, many of the courses will fall short of their full
potential to expand minds.
Much of the curriculum here at UCLA is based on traditional and
well-expressed views ““ courses that focus on European
philosophers, famous wars and well-known books are easy to find.
There is a need to expand the current offerings to address views
which are not ingrained elements of a liberal arts education.
Professors who are interested in teaching about diversity should
see the proposed requirement as an opportunity to find support for
their ideas. The Academic Senate should pass the diversity
requirement this year and ““ if it fails to meet student
expectations ““ should remain open to suggestions to improve
the requirement.
Members of the faculty have said it is important UCLA have an
officially recognized diversity requirement, and they are right.
And student leaders are also right to be concerned; a requirement
implemented in the wrong way could be meaningless.