NOTES FROM THE DESK

Author: Katherine N. Doorley

Diversity in the dictionary: "the condition or quality of being diverse, different, or varied; difference, unlikeness."

Despite what one might hear, there is diversity at Midd. We are a student body that is different and varied. We come from all 50 states and all over the world. We play numerous sports and are in a plethora of clubs, not taking into account economic situations and personal beliefs.

Yet, all we seem to hear about is racial diversity and the need to increase the numbers of minorities on campus, out of the fear that classroom discussions are going to suffer if we don't. While I certainly have no objections to increasing diversity, I fear that by focusing specifically on one type we will upset the balance we have, which makes the Midd learning experience what it is. Admit the most qualified students and diversity of beliefs will come. Racial diversity doesn't guarantee diversity in opinions and beliefs. Do the guy who spent a summer in Thailand or the girl who grew up in rural Maine have less to offer their peers because they're white? What about the group of friends that debate religion, politics and society in general, but happens to also be a group of white girls?

While I am not arguing that we ignore racial diversity, I think that there are other ways diversity can be measured than skin tone alone. Look around this campus; are there honestly two people who are that much alike? Shouldn't we be able to move beyond the surface and realize that we have had different life experiences? It is this diversity that adds to class discussions and three-hour Proctor dinners, not skin-color diversity.

Were Midd really as homogenous as people seem to think that would be one thing, but the fact is that we have a very diverse community full of people with different backgrounds, beliefs and interests, whether or not we have the racial diversity some would hope. So Admissions Office, by all means work to increase minority numbers at Midd, but don't blindly work towards one kind of diversity at the expense of the unique and diverse student body we have now.

-Katherine N. Doorley

Focus Editor