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ERIC Number: ED343511
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1992-Feb
Pages: 20
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Multiculturalism in Higher Education: A Myth or Reality?
Obiakor, Festus E.
This paper discusses the realities of multiculturalism in America's higher education and presents strategies for enhancing multiculturalism on college and university campuses. It examines what multiculturalism is and lists the various myths about it that have permeated the academic community. In response to these myths, solutions are examined that cover the following areas: (1) responding to affirmative action regulations; (2) providing funds; (3) broadening curricula; (4) redirecting testing and instruction; and (5) dealing with the problem of educational institutions not reaching out to minorities. It is noted that higher education has failed in its ability to respond to basic needs of nontraditional at-risk students, but also mentions that it is difficult to use traditional strategies to work with nontraditional students. Eight nontraditional strategies are identified to assist predominately white colleges to foster multiculturalism on their campuses. Finally, it is suggested that because of the fewer numbers of minority administrators, faculty, staff, and students in predominately white colleges and universities, that these institutions should continuously reassess and reevaluate their recruitment, retention, and graduation policies. Contains 33 references. (GLR)
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Administrators; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the Multicultural Fair (Chattanooga, TN, February 6, 1992).