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OAMI Whammy

One of the contradictions in the defense of ?diversity? at many institutions is that those same institutions often practice the opposite of what they preach, sponsoring racially and ethnically separate dorms, clubs, graduation ceremonies, and even academic majors (Black Studies, Chicano Studies, etc.).

You might think that one place where such officially sanctioned racially exclusive activities would no longer be permitted is the University of Michigan, after the passage in 2006 of the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative. But if you did, you?d be wrong.

ANN ARBOR, Mich.?For graduating students, sharing the pomp and circumstance of spring commencement with some 30,000 people is a great thrill. But for a number of students, it is equally, if not more, rewarding to be recognized for their accomplishments during smaller events that?although open to all?celebrate diverse groups at the University.

In recent and upcoming days the Black Celebratory, La Celebración Latina, the Native American Student Association Graduation, the Lavender Graduation, the Ginsberg Awards for Service and Social Action, among others, honor graduating students in venues that allow for more individualized recognition of their achievements.

?Individualized recognition,? that is, limited to individuals in the ?diverse? racial and ethnic groups being celebrated at the different ceremonies.

?The en masse celebration of commencement is an occasion to be remembered at U-M, but through these smaller events we seek to recognize the uniqueness of diverse groups, and to honor their academic success and contributions in a more personal way,? said John Matlock, associate vice provost for academic affairs and director, Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives ( OAMI ).

The groups mentioned above also reveal a great deal about how ?diversity? is understood (and misunderstood) on campuses today. Consider, for example, the Ginsberg Awards for Service and Social Action and the Michigan Leadership Awards Ceremony.

Also held earlier this month were the Rosalie Ginsberg Awards for Service and Social Action and the 29th Michigan Leadership Awards Ceremony. The Ginsberg event recognized U-M and local partners for their commitments to community service and social action....

Provost Teresa Sullivan and Vice President for Student Affairs E. Royster Harper recognized student leaders, organizations and programs during the April 3 Michigan Leadership Awards ceremony. Each year the Division of Student Affairs recognizes exemplary achievement by students who exhibit enthusiasm and initiative, and who provide formal or informal leadership and service to the University community. Also recognized are those who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to learning, education and living, in support of the quest for social justice in human relationships. A student organization is recognized at the event for providing a program that enhances the community and its institutional values, and by fostering student involvement....

These ceremonies recognize students who did something worthwhile. The other ceremonies with which these are misleading lumped, however, recognize students for nothing other than their racial, ethnic, sexual identity ? who they are, not what they?ve done.

At Michigan, apparently, racial/ethnic/sexual identity is an accomplishment in itself, worth celebrating.

Full post as published by Discriminations on April 21, 2008 (boomark / email).