Column based on assumptions

Jamie Deal's Nov. 2 column, "Diversity of thought over color," is an example of a persistent ignorance some have about racial diversity.

I'm going to skip some problems with his argument, such as how he praises study abroad and says, "students go abroad to experience the people of another country," but ultimately writes off the importance of diversity on campus. I will also forget his ridiculous concluding argument that "birds of a feather flock together."

The fundamental flaw is that Deal is apparently not a minority student, so he is arguing the merits of diversity based on his narrow experience and assumptions.

Personally, I was uncomfortable with my white, Greek-affiliated FAC and felt alienated by the lack of a strong Hispanic presence on campus as well as by the apparent apathy or ignorance most have about diversity. I think other students feel similarly.

I hope the Study Abroad program does do more about diversity because, as Deal wrote, "the expense. and other factors preclude many minority students." I wish the FAC program would begin focusing on diversity so minority freshmen feel less like aliens in a bubble-world where people don't think culture or racial identity will contribute anything significant.

Deal isn't the person diversity helps the most. It's not a priority because white people need to be given the full range of the ethnic rainbow. It's a priority because minority students should feel welcome in a mature academic environment, and because everyone should have equal opportunities to experience what Duke has to offer.

I don't feel comfortable putting things in terms of race, or bringing up my race here. But, as Deal writes in the column, these disparities do exist.

I just hope that Deal and people like him realize this shouldn't be written off because of what he decides is the minority experience. These are disparities that can indeed be fixed, but only once his flock moves away from self-centered ignorance.