Intercultural General Education at Elmhurst College

Human beings share a vast array of things in common, yet it is the small differences among us that seem to dominate interaction
Author unknown

Dear Elmhurst College Student:
Have you ever wondered, what is the purpose of education? For centuries, philosophers and scholars have dedicated their lives in search of an answer to this question. Many theories and ideas have developed throughout the years and yet the search continues. Nonetheless, something that has been found in common in many of these theories is the idea that an education is meant to prepare individuals to become the future leaders and citizens of society.

Elmhurst College claims to believe in the same principle:
The College dedicates itself to the development of humane values, the skills of critical and creative inquiry, the capacity and desire to serve others, commitment to meaningful work, understanding of global interdependence, and responsible citizenship (Elmhurst College Statement of Mission). Elmhurst College believes this can be accomplished best through a liberal education. That is why a general education in the liberal arts always has held a central place in our curriculum (Elmhurst College General Education).

And what is a Liberal Education? The idea of a liberal arts education is based on the principle that education is not meant to train individuals for their profession, but is intended to enable people to become productive members of their society. British philosopher John Stuart Mill once stated, It [school] is not a place of professional education. [it is] not intended to teach the knowledge required to fit men [and women] for some special mode of gaining their livelihood. [The] object is not to make skillful lawyers, or physicians, or engineers, but capable and cultivated human beings.

Our society and world in general is becoming more and more diverse everyday and with that, the challenge for human interaction has become more and more complicated as well. In preparing students to become productive members of the 21st century, shouldnt the subject of interculturalism be part of the general education preparation at Elmhurst College? Simply being in college does not automatically mean that well know how to respectfully interact with each other and understand or at least respect our differences.

In the last few weeks, several incidents of hate crimes have occurred on our campus. Among others, these include the defacing of posters with racial slurs and swastikas (BRIDGES), and offensive phone calls and remarks towards African-American student workers (The Leader). While some of them have been officially reported to the office of campus security and others are still under investigation, the reality remains that these are not isolated instances and something needs to be done. While these incidents may not be reflective of the entire Elmhurst College community, they are symptomatic of a greater problem on our campus and society as a whole. We have been told to get along with each other over and over, but were not given the skills and knowledge to do so.

So what is Elmhurst College going to do to address these issues and fulfill its mission of developing responsible citizens?

A step forward and one solution is to create a general education requirement that will allow students to get a better understanding on interculturalism, privilege, oppression, sexism, racism, classism, heterosexism, and social justice.

Men [and women] are men [and women] before they are lawyers, or physicians, []; and if you make them capable and sensible men [and women], they will make themselves capable and sensible lawyers or physicians (John Stuart Mill).

Elmhurst College has been a second home for many students, faculty and staffbeing part of this community has allowed us to gain academic challenge and social and professional nourishment. Lets reciprocate what we have received by encouraging its administration to step up to the challenge:

Develop intercultural goals (and strategies to execute such goals) in the Vision and Action Plan
Develop a statement of interculturalism from the Presidents Office that reflects a true commitment to develop an accountable campus
Train staff, faculty, and administrators on interculturalism, privilege, oppression, and social justice
Implement intercultural goals for every department on campus
Implement intercultural goals during New Student Orientation
Develop a General Education Requirement that allows students to gain an understanding on interculturalism, privilege, oppression, sexism, racism, classism, heterosexism, and social justice.

We, Elmhurst College Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, and Friends of the College urge that the Elmhurst College administration begins to develop a General Education Requirement on Interculturalism/Diversity to be implemented in the very near future. By signing below, we also support the previously mentioned strategies to continue the development of an interculturally accountable campus that can become a true intercultural and caring community of learners.