Beyond the university of racial diversity: Some remarks on race, diversity, (dis)advantage and affirmative action

Abstract

The compelling essays in this issue of the journal take on the often contentious and complex issue of racial affirmative action. I do not wish to repeat the arguments authors offer either in defence or against student admissions to a university on the grounds of race, (dis)advantage, class, gender, and so on. Rather, I wish to respond to a question which has been touched on by some authors: Should a university advance racial diversity? My argument is that a university should move beyond the cultivation of racial diversity to a university which priviledges the pursuit of truths.