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The term "DIVERSITY," as defined by the University of Minnesota Extension Service, embodies the simple fact of human differences. Because of historical and legal imperatives unique to our nation, however, particular emphasis is given within the context of our collective work in communities throughout the State of Minnesota to the specific areas listed in the University of Minnesota's Equal Opportunity Statement. Those areas include: Race, Color, Creed, Religion, National Origin, Sex, Age, Marital Status, Disability, Public Assistance Status, Veteran Status, and Sexual Orientation.
Since the beginnings of recorded history, human beings have been engaged in a collective struggle for dignity and equity. As we begin a new millennium, there is no question that we have made, as a species, a great deal of progress in the areas of science and technology. In the area of human relations, however, we still have a long and difficult journey ahead of us. The human family continues at the present time to wrestle with significant issues of injustice and inequality of opportunity whenever and wherever one looks on the face of this earth.
It is in this context that the University of Minnesota, and by association, the University of Minnesota Extension Service, adopted an Equal Opportunity Statement whose latest version appeared in 1991. Additionally, since the passage at the national level of the original Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, much emphasis has been given in the context of the larger society to the areas of civil rights, diversity, and multiculturalism. This effort has also included our key national partner, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). At the present time, civil rights, diversity, and multiculturalism have taken an added dimension of urgency, difficulty, and complexity given the global nature of all enterprises as well as the increasing demographic diversification of our state and our nation. In fact, however one defines demographic diversity--linguistically, culturally, religiously, ethnically--the United States today is the most demographically diverse country in world history.
All of us who work or volunteer for this great land-grant institution, in whatever capacity, must be committed to upholding the true spirit and intent of the University's Equal Opportunity Statement in our words as well as our actions, not so much because it is the legal thing to do but, more importantly, because it is the right thing to do. The beginning of injustice is, after all, the illusion of separateness, whereas the beginning of justice is the reality of relatedness.
Approved by Dean's Administrative Council 12/03/02
The information given in this publication is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the University of Minnesota Extension is implied.
Produced by Communication and Educational Technology Services, University of Minnesota Extension.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact your University of Minnesota Extension office or the Distribution Center at (800) 876-8636.
University of Minnesota Extension is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.