Chapter Five THE EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS OF DIVERSITY: EVIDENCE FROM MULTIPLE SECTORS

Abstract

Above all, merit must be defined in light of what educational institutions are trying to accomplish. In our view, race is relevant in determining which candidates “merit” admission because taking account of race helps institutions achieve three objectives central to their mission––identifying individuals with high potential, permitting students to benefit educationally from diversity on campus, and addressing long-term societal needs (Bowen and Bok, 1998, p. 278).