Diversity is a broader concept that builds upon the progress made through equal opportunities. Diversity involves recognition that everyone is different, and promotes respect and recognition for the value of difference. Promoting diversity in the University involves creating an environment that capitalises on everything that makes us unique - our gender, race, physical abilities, sexuality, religion, age, lifestyle, family status, linguistic abilities, etc - and giving everyone a fair and equal chance to be successful.
Diversity, which focuses on improving opportunities for ALL staff, is about respecting and valuing people as they are, rather than expecting them to conform to a stereotype. This is an approach that we are actively working towards, and we would value any input which you are able to make in developing our policies, action plans and special initiatives towards the achievement of this end.
Diversity can be defined as all the characteristics, which differentiate us as individuals, as well as all the characteristics, which make us alike. There are many dimensions to diversity that go well beyond obvious differences such as race, gender, age, physical abilities, and marital status. The less obvious dimensions of diversity include but are not limited to: veteran status, education, sexual orientation, lifestyle, national origin, religious or political affiliation, departmental or organizational "culture", and employee status - unskilled, skilled, professional, etc. Understanding the dynamics of diversity allows people to respect and value differences. When people feel valued, respected, and empowered, they are more motivated to work together for the common good of all.
Diversity is a form of individualism, unique characteristics, beliefs and values. Amongst humans, particularly in a social context, the term diversity refers to the presence in one population of a (wide) variety of
Cultures,
Ethnic groups
Languages
Physical features, especially if they are recognized by members of that population to constitute characteristics of a race - (see also human variability)
Socio-economic backgrounds
Opinions
Religious beliefs
Sexuality
Gender identity
Neurology
Possible attitudes to this situation are discussed in the Politics section.
At the international level, diversity refers to the existence of many peoples contributing their unique experiences to humanity's culture. The preservation of our planet's formidable linguistic and cultural diversity in the context of world-wide economic integration is the object of great concern to many people at the turn of the 21st century.
In United States it basically means having a group with all nationalities and color skins.
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