Today, in many circles of thought, diversity has become a four-letter word. While race is one of the words that come to mind, the others are often avoided in public circles. These words, and the actions that follow, confirm that many of us still become angry, threatened, or merely indifferent when issues regarding diversity emerge. Reactions such as these must diminish. We must prepare all of our students, and ourselves, to think and act in ways that will embrace and promote a more inclusive society. Diversity is an essential component of this preparation.

     Yet instead of utilizing the value and synergy within our global society, many of us seek ways for 'our own' to have access to better opportunities for a successful life, even if it means actively denying these same privileges to others. Instead of actively engaging and including individuals who are different, some of us ignore this great resource and act based on a variety of socially constructed ideologies, regarding for example religious beliefs, language differences, social economic status and racial designations, to segregate ourselves into silos of stereotypical thoughts, and actions. Instead of conceptualizing and then taking steps to eradicate the inequities that impede our progress towards a more inclusive community and world, many of us perceive no existing challenges before us, say that inequities are natural and through our actions or indifference continue to destroy attempts to address these and other concerns in meaningful and productive ways.

     Why? Why are there continued efforts to fortify existing segregated silos of thought that will most assuredly weaken our world for decades to come? How can so many of us fail to understand the value that a variety of perspectives bring to any discussion focused on the betterment of our community, nation, and world? Will we ever understand that the harm being done will hurt all of us? When will we all open our eyes and hearts to the gift of difference?

     Answers to these and similar questions must become important for each of us to address. Our very future hinges on what we do with our answers to these and similar questions. How we think and what we believe directs our actions. These actions will also direct our future.