Ryan ChartrandOn April 2, after grabbing a fresh copy of the Mustang Daily and gracing a bench with my ass, I was slapped in the face with a full-page letter of how and why I should embrace diversity written by President Baker.
The letter starts out explaining why our university needs to address the issue of diversity and how the academic community will play a role shaping a diverse future. Yet, the letter was written so vaguely; it could make the most sinister politician’s panties moist.
I think the term “diversity” in this article was used as a tool to enforce political correctness.
If it is Cal Poly’s goal to allow different ideas to clash so that the Cal Poly community can learn from the consequences, so be it. I honestly don’t care.
But when an issue such as diversity is pushed, and opposing viewpoints are unacceptable or offensive, I believe there are ulterior motives. Therefore “diversity” (as used by this article) can kiss my ass.
I think the letter acts as a safety blanket to prevent the administration from looking obstinate as viewed from the outside. The same day the article was published, the entire school received an e-mail that prompted the campus to nominate a said “campus unit” for an excellent commitment to diversity. Cal Poly will reward a group of people $1,000 for such a commitment to diversity.
Conversely, Cal Poly will be rewarded with $5.9 million to embrace the controversial Saudi Arabia cultural influence with the new Saudi engineering program. Apparently embracing diversity can be influenced with money.
Are these letters geared to soften the school with intentions of goodwill and positive moral values to get acceptance covering a racial sensitive issue? Look past the conflicting rhetoric and make your own decision.
Macedo: 1, Baker: 0.
Count it.
Michael Macedo is a manufacturing engineering senior and a guest columnist for the Mustang Daily.