As someone who attended a predominantly Asian high school, I understand the importance of having diversity in school. Although I loved my high school, I wish I was able to experience racial diversity and interact with people of different backgrounds. Racial diversity has been proven to enhance student performance in school. According to a study done in 2011 from The Century Foundation, students attending diverse high schools have a 30% growth in test scores. This is because being surrounded with different cultures and perspectives allows students to think more critically. Most of the friends I made in high school are part of the same racial group, so going to a racially diverse school would have allowed me to learn about other students’ cultures. Students can also learn more about their community which creates an environment where students are culturally responsive.
Having racial diversity in school also leads to students developing more skills, such as leadership and self-confidence. This is because through learning about different cultures, students can discover their own identity and their personal learning style. Racially diverse schools are also less prone to bullying, because students learn to be more accepting of different races and cultures from a young age.
For those like me, who didn’t attend a racially diverse school, it is important to research different backgrounds to understand what other people are going through. By being educated, it is easier to be more accepting of others. Also, talking to friends about their experiences they have had due to their race is vital. Racial discrimination is a very prevalent issue, so it is important to be educated from a young age about the significance of diversity and acceptance.