What do you think?
Rate this book
Diversity Matters: Race, Ethnicity, and the Future of Christian Higher Education
Today, no institution can ignore the need for deep conversations about race and ethnicity. But colleges and universities face a unique set of challenges as they explore these topics. Diversity Matters offers leaders a roadmap as they think through how their campuses can be hospitable environments for diversity.
- GenresEducationNonfiction
386 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2017
8 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 1, 2018
“If someone is blatantly racist, at least I know where the person stands. Someone who has unconscious biases and attitudes but thinks he or she is actually helping to make a positive change can do a lot of damage.”
This sentence struck me pretty hard. It hit me hard because I have to come to the realization that I probably do more damage than I could ever imagine. I like to think of myself as a well-adjusted, educated, and enlightened person that can easily identify racism – conscious or not – but in reality, my perception is probably way off.
This realization leads to fear and this fear leads to inaction which only leads me to more enabling. It is a cycle that harrowing and unwanted. It is hard to not feel powerless, even though my measurement of powerlessness is absurd. I feel this is white fragility at its core.
I wanted to read this book because I wanted to learn. I want to move forward. I want conversations to happen. I want to enhance the world I am in. This was a perfect book for me at this time. The authors of each chapter spoke with authenticity. They shared their pains, frustrations, hopes and joys. At the very least, these got me to think again about things I haven’t thought about in years (obviously a sign of privilege when you can go long spans of time without thinking about your race).
Another quote from the book that hit me hard, “How much will I have to give up to succeed?”
It seems so counterintuitive to sacrifice something to succeed, but this is a reality for many when they enter college especially a predominantly white, private, Christian college. I have heard these stories from my students; they have talked about giving up their identity, abandoning their families, losing their heritage all in hopes of fitting in to the campus culture. Though I see and understand their frustrations, it is difficult for me to feel and empathize their loneliness.
I think this this a fantastic book. It ought to be a must read for higher education administrators.
Here are a few more quotes that I stuck with me.
“When we face adversity and failure, a caring community can be a source of strength to deepen our resolve and provide the courage to continue.”
“Diversity work and leadership is about relationship, relationship, relationship”
“When we honor God by serving our institutions well, despite their imperfections, God will honor us.”
This sentence struck me pretty hard. It hit me hard because I have to come to the realization that I probably do more damage than I could ever imagine. I like to think of myself as a well-adjusted, educated, and enlightened person that can easily identify racism – conscious or not – but in reality, my perception is probably way off.
This realization leads to fear and this fear leads to inaction which only leads me to more enabling. It is a cycle that harrowing and unwanted. It is hard to not feel powerless, even though my measurement of powerlessness is absurd. I feel this is white fragility at its core.
I wanted to read this book because I wanted to learn. I want to move forward. I want conversations to happen. I want to enhance the world I am in. This was a perfect book for me at this time. The authors of each chapter spoke with authenticity. They shared their pains, frustrations, hopes and joys. At the very least, these got me to think again about things I haven’t thought about in years (obviously a sign of privilege when you can go long spans of time without thinking about your race).
Another quote from the book that hit me hard, “How much will I have to give up to succeed?”
It seems so counterintuitive to sacrifice something to succeed, but this is a reality for many when they enter college especially a predominantly white, private, Christian college. I have heard these stories from my students; they have talked about giving up their identity, abandoning their families, losing their heritage all in hopes of fitting in to the campus culture. Though I see and understand their frustrations, it is difficult for me to feel and empathize their loneliness.
I think this this a fantastic book. It ought to be a must read for higher education administrators.
Here are a few more quotes that I stuck with me.
“When we face adversity and failure, a caring community can be a source of strength to deepen our resolve and provide the courage to continue.”
“Diversity work and leadership is about relationship, relationship, relationship”
“When we honor God by serving our institutions well, despite their imperfections, God will honor us.”
April 9, 2020
This is a vitally important book for Christian Higher Education (CHE). CHE struggles behind much of the rest of our country in diversifying its faculty and leadership when it really should be on the forefront. God's vision for our world is clearly one that honors, respects, celebrates, even requires diversity. Although progress is being made, CHE remains a largely white, male-dominated industry, to the detriment of our students and of our colleges and universities.
In this book are voices from those on the frontlines of this struggle: persons from ethnic minorities, women, white allies. Professionals with a heart for ministry and education within the context of Christian Higher Ed. Their stories of discrimination, frustration, success, and lessons learned are both discouraging and inspiring. They are authentic. I have come away from reading this book (and from the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Diversity conference) with much to think about, with changed perspectives, and with a clear mandate to listen more and to be an intentional, proactive voice for true God-ordained diversity. Strongly recommended for anyone with an interest in the future of Christian Higher Education.
In this book are voices from those on the frontlines of this struggle: persons from ethnic minorities, women, white allies. Professionals with a heart for ministry and education within the context of Christian Higher Ed. Their stories of discrimination, frustration, success, and lessons learned are both discouraging and inspiring. They are authentic. I have come away from reading this book (and from the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Diversity conference) with much to think about, with changed perspectives, and with a clear mandate to listen more and to be an intentional, proactive voice for true God-ordained diversity. Strongly recommended for anyone with an interest in the future of Christian Higher Education.
May 8, 2018
Solid
Liked it. Useful overview of race issues and work being done on campus primarily voiced by people of color on those campuses as well as one section on white allies. Felt some content was a little repetitive but appreciated the mix of personal stories and strategies for progress on the personal and institutional levels.
Liked it. Useful overview of race issues and work being done on campus primarily voiced by people of color on those campuses as well as one section on white allies. Felt some content was a little repetitive but appreciated the mix of personal stories and strategies for progress on the personal and institutional levels.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews