essay topic about diversity

21 Essays About Diversity For Students and Writers

Colleges and employers often ask for essays about diversity as part of the application process, and this list of 21 topic ideas is a great place to start.

Diversity is a hot topic in today’s society. Everything from ethnicity to sexual orientation can be a topic to discuss when discussing ethical and cultural diversity. If you are assigned a diversity essay for your high school or college classwork, your writing begins with finding a great topic.

Essays about diversity often explore the writer’s cultural background or demographic. While ethnicity can be one topic, diversity can also discuss gender, socioeconomic status, and even non-ethnic culture. These factors give the writer a unique perspective on life and society, and that makes an excellent starting point for an essay.

Because diversity is such a broad topic, you may find it difficult to create an essay or personal statement on this particular topic without direction. Here are some topic ideas that can help you connect your experiences to the topic of diversity. Before we dive in , for help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers .

1. The Definition of Diversity

2. why diversity matters in society, 3. how workplaces can promote diversity and inclusion, 4. what are the drawbacks of emphasizing diversity in the workplace, 5. what are the benefits of diversity in the workplace, 6. how a diverse student body benefits a college, 7. how has an aspect of your identity shaped your life experiences, 8. describe your place within a community group, 9. does racial discrimination exist, and how has it changed, 10. describe a diverse community you have been part of, 11. how did you overcome your socioeconomic status, 12. how can you contribute to the diversity of an organization, 13. what are the main problems preventing gender equality, 14. how does diversity influence college students, 15. how can you become more diverse, 16. why are ancient traditions important, 17. mass media’s influence on cultural diversity, 18. how to find a sense of belonging in a multicultural group, 19. communication in a diverse community, 20. how the digital world increases cultural diversity, 21. is unity in diversity possible.

One of the first ways to discuss diversity in an essay is by defining it. Many people consider diversity the mixing of different cultures and people groups into one cohesive group, but is it more? Could it be the attitude of respect and appreciation shown to people in these groups within a community?

Defining diversity is more difficult than you might think depending on your education and background. For an open-ended diversity assignment, explore what this concept means to you and your peer group.

How does diversity impact society as a whole? What does it mean to say modern society is a “melting pot” of different ideas and cultures? In this essay, you can explore how this cultural diversity and the many minority groups within society add their own brand of uniqueness to the world.

This essay can explore the contributions of different cultural and ethnic groups within society as a whole. It can build the argument that diversity is important by exploring the connectivity of the modern world and how different people groups impact one another.

Diversity in the workplace is a topic of much debate. Many organizations offer initiatives and incentives to encourage their branches to hire more minorities and people from smaller groups within the population. This essay topic would explore what types of incentives might work best.

It could also touch on how to incentivize minority hiring without discriminating against those who are not in a minority group. The key would be to create a balanced workforce, not to have anyone group prohibited from getting the job they want.

Diversity in the workplace seems like a worthy goal, but does it have drawbacks? This essay lets you explore potential drawbacks . For example, diversity initiatives cost money to implement, and that can hurt the organization. Similarly, while diverse teams benefit from the different backgrounds of their members, they sometimes do not work as efficiently as teams made up of people who share similar life experiences, viewpoints, or cultures.

Diversity can also create communication issues and cultural misunderstandings. Workplaces may also find it difficult to define diversity in a way that satisfies everyone or meets the unique needs of the different groups of people within a particular business or organization.

Like most things, diversity has both benefits and drawbacks, and you can create an essay that highlights the benefits. Some potential benefits include bringing in people from multiple cultural groups in order to understand the personal experience of those groups and, in turn, reach people from those groups that may be potential customers or clients. Diverse workplaces are also more likely to be innovative, as the different people have diverse backgrounds to contribute to the discussion.

While some organizations find diversity creates less efficiency, others find it improves it. One Changeboard study found that companies with diverse leadership had 57 percent more effectiveness and efficiency in collaboration than those who did not. Find these and other benefits to write about in your diversity essay.

College admissions departments push for diversity, and for good reason. Some of the largest grant-giving organizations in the country will consider diversity when looking at a college’s grant proposals, which means diversity could lead to more funding. But money is just one benefit.

For the students, a diverse student body helps them meet additional people from different walks of life while gaining their college education. For professors, it gives them a richer experience in the classroom and in research because they can probe the cultural ideals of multiple people groups. As you delve more deeply into this topic, you will likely find several additional items you can add to your list to round out your essay.

Sometimes the goal of a diversity essay is to see if you can think critically about your own life experiences and personal identity. This essay prompt invites you to look at a particular aspect of your identities, such as your culture, ethnicity, sexual identity, or something similar, and relate it to your life experiences.

Learn more about how to create a writing prompt .

This essay requires introspection and analytical thinking. It is also highly personal to the writer. You have to be able to connect who you are to what you have experienced and then show how both of those have shaped you as a person.

Communities have groups within them that share things like socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or ideology. Most people are within multiple of these community groups. For this essay, the writer chooses one they identify with and describes how they fit within this group.

Not only will you explain why that group is one they belong to, but you will also explain your place within it. Are you a leader, or a learner? Do you anticipate remaining in this group for life, or is it a passing interest? How has your role within this group defined who you are as a person today, and how will it influence you in the future?

Diversity remains an important topic because racial discrimination still exists, most would argue. While we may not have separate drinking fountains and bathrooms like during the Civil Rights era, racial discrimination still happens. First, this essay establishes how discrimination happens. Then it discusses how that discrimination has changed from past generations to today.

This essay topic has many potential directions, but the point is that diversity has not eliminated discrimination. It takes more subtle forms today, but it still exists. You could also discuss how to fight this problem in your essay if you need a higher word count after discussing the way diversity has changed.

Most people can think of a diverse community they have been part of. It might be a workplace, classroom, or neighborhood. Think about your life experiences and determine what diverse groups have been part of those experiences.

In your essay, describe how the diversity made the group successful. Did the different cultural groups interact? Did they build off of and learn from each other, and how did they support and respect each other? Show that you can value diversity by how you see it valued in your groups.

Socioeconomic status is one of the aspects of diversity that can be part of your essay. If you overcame a particular socio-economic challenge to get to where you are today, you can transform that into an engaging essay.

This essay prompt works well for college entrance essays that look for self-reflection. It allows you to paint yourself as an aggressive and effective worker who is able to overcome adversity to find success. This tenacity can make you more appealing as a student in the university setting.

This essay prompt can work well for employment essays or essays for the college admissions committee. It allows you to show ways your background and culture could add to the diversity of the organization. Even if you are not part of an ethnic minority, you could show how your cultural experiences, ideological views, or even extensive foreign travel can bring something unique to the table for the organization.

This essay topic is particularly important if you are looking to impress someone with your diversity knowledge, even if you do not identify in a specific minority group that the organization targets. You can show how your worldview and culture can be an asset to the organization if they choose to hire or admit you.

Gender inequality, especially in the workplace, remains a problem. One Pew Research Study found that women earn, on average, 84% of what men earn doing the same job. Studying the barriers to gender inequality can turn into a solid essay topic.

With this essay, make sure that you list the problems and discuss potential solutions. Is the lack of maternity leave and childcare hindering women from climbing the corporate ladder as quickly as men, or is it long-held cultural beliefs that keep women back in the workforce? What can be done to address these issues and make gender equality a reality?

Because diversity essays are commonly called for on the college level, this topic idea addresses diversity in college head-on. You will discuss how diversity on college campuses influences students. While many influences will be positive, such as expanding cultural understanding and tolerance, some may be negative, like challenges working on collaborative projects with a person who does not share ideology or cultural background.

Since colleges promote diversity so heavily, you are likely to find primarily positive outcomes for this topic. However, be sure to dig in and consider what could be a drawback, too. Having a balance between the two will show the reader that you can think critically on important topics.

Is it possible to become a more diverse person? The answer to this question depends on how you define diversity. However, through travel to foreign countries and exposure to people groups outside of your comfort zone, you may be able to expand your diversity as an individual, provided you define diversity as the respect and admiration for other cultures.

In this essay, you can evaluate areas where you lack diversity. Then, you can look at ways to add it. This diversity essay gives you the chance to perform self-reflection, which teachers and admissions professionals often want to see.

Ancient traditions are the traditions of cultural groups that are not commonly practiced in modern society. Many cultural groups find these to be anchoring, drawing them back to their culture of origin and reminding them of where they came from. This essay will discuss why supporting and highlighting these ancient traditions is important.

To begin this essay, you will need to define what ancient traditions are. Then, you will need to show how they remain vital in modern society by tying people back to their cultural roots. Finally, you could discuss ways in which ancient cultures and their traditions can benefit modern society as a whole.

Is mass media helping or hurting the individuality of cultures? You could argue either way with this essay. On the one hand, mass media allows us to interact with and learn about cultures we normally would not engage with, and that can have a positive impact on cultural diversity.

On the other hand, mass media can have a melting pot effect, reducing the individuality of cultures by making us all appear as the same. This effect could be a negative effect. In your essay, decide whether the total effect is primarily positive or primarily negative, and then discuss why.

One of the potential challenges of a highly diverse society is the difficulty people have in finding a sense of belonging. We often discover a sense of belonging when we find things in common with the people around us, and there may not be many commonalities with a highly multicultural group.

This essay would explore ways to combat this problem. It will discuss how members of a multicultural community can dig in and find interests in common with other community members, or how they can learn about different cultural groups to gain some common ground.

One of the challenges of diversity is the different communication styles between people groups. Gender differences and cultural differences between individuals mean different ways of relating and communicating. This essay will discuss these differences and the ways that organizations can overcome them.

For example, some cultures find directly stating opinions to be forward, while others expect this. How could a company embrace both communication styles to get things done without people feeling offended due to cultural differences? Exploring questions like these will create a thought-provoking essay.

Having the internet always at one’s fingertips makes connecting with people of other cultures easier, which can lend itself to an essay topic on diversity. With this essay, you can explore whether or not the digital world and its accessibility is helping or hurting cultural diversity. You can then explore ways that organizations can use the digital world to add more diversity within their communities.

One potential drawback of this digital world is that it promotes cultural amalgamation. The distinction between different cultural groups gets blurred. While this can lead to more inclusion, it can also lead to the loss of important parts of these cultures as they all start to merge together.

Is it possible for a highly diverse community to live and operate in unity? Exploring the answer to this question can build a solid essay. If a community has people from many cultural, religious, and social groups, are they able to live in a unified manner?

The answer to this question may depend on how the cultural or religious groups function. If something held dear by one group is against the foundational beliefs of another, then unity may not be possible. On the other hand, if they are just differences that are not in opposition to each other, unity is something that the larger community may be able to achieve, even without giving up those features that make it diverse.

If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !

Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006. She specializes in education content and real estate writing but enjoys a wide gamut of topics. Her goal is to connect with the reader in an engaging, but informative way. Her work has been featured on USA Today, and she ghostwrites for many high-profile companies. As a former teacher, she is passionate about both research and grammar, giving her clients the quality they demand in today's online marketing world.

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How to Write the Diversity Essay – With Examples

May 1, 2024

The diversity essay has newfound significance in college application packages following the 2023 SCOTUS ruling against race-conscious admissions. Affirmative action began as an attempt to redress unequal access to economic and social mobility associated with higher education. But before the 2023 ruling, colleges frequently defended the policy based on their “compelling interest” in fostering diverse campuses. The reasoning goes that there are certain educational benefits that come from heterogeneous learning environments. Now, the diversity essay has become key for admissions officials in achieving their compelling interest in campus diversity. Thus, unlocking how to write a diversity essay enhances an applicant’s ability to describe their fit with a campus environment. This article describes the genre and provides diversity essay examples to help any applicant express how they conceptualize and contribute to diversity.

How to Write a Diversity Essay – Defining the Genre

Diversity essays in many ways resemble the personal statement genre. Like personal statements, they help readers get to know applicants beyond their academic and extracurricular achievements. What makes an applicant unique? Precisely what motivates or inspires them? What is their demeanor like and how do they interact with others? All these questions are useful ways of thinking about the purpose and value of the diversity essay.

It’s important to realize that the essay does not need to focus on aspects like race, religion, or sexuality. Some applicants may choose to write about their relationship to these or other protected identity categories. But applicants shouldn’t feel obligated to ‘come out’ in a diversity essay. Conversely, they should not be anxious if they feel their background doesn’t qualify them as ‘diverse.’

Instead, the diversity essay helps demonstrate broader thinking about what makes applicants unique that admissions officials can’t glean elsewhere. Usually, it also directly or indirectly indicates how an applicant will enhance the campus community they hope to join. Diversity essays can explicitly connect past experiences with future plans. Or they can offer a more general sense of how one’s background will influence their actions in college.

Thus, the diversity essay conveys both aspects that make an applicant unique and arguments for how those aspects will contribute on campus. The somewhat daunting genre is, in fact, a great opportunity for applicants to articulate how their background, identity, or formative experiences will shape their academic, intellectual, social, and professional trajectories.

Diversity College Essay Examples of Prompts – Sharing a Story

All diversity essays ask applicants to share what makes them unique and convey how that equips them for university life. However, colleges will typically ask applicants to approach this broad topic from a variety of different angles. Since it’s likely applicants will encounter some version of the genre in either required or supplemental essay assignments, it’s a good idea to have a template diversity essay ready to adapt to each specific prompt.

One of the most standard prompts is the “share a story” prompt. For example, here’s the diversity-related Common App prompt:

“Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”

This prompt is deliberately broad, inviting applicants to articulate their distinctive qualities in myriad ways. What is unsaid, but likely expected, is some statement about how the story evidences the ability to enhance campus diversity.

Diversity College Essay Examples of Prompts – Describing Contribution

Another common prompt explicitly asks students to reflect on diversity while centering what they will contribute in college. A good example of this prompt comes from the University of Miami’s supplemental essay:

Located within one of the most dynamic cities in the world, the University of Miami is a distinctive community with a variety of cultures, traditions, histories, languages, and backgrounds. The University of Miami is a values-based and purpose-driven postsecondary institution that embraces diversity and inclusivity in all its forms and strives to create a culture of belonging, where every person feels valued and has an opportunity to contribute.

Please describe how your unique experiences, challenges overcome, or skills acquired would contribute to our distinctive University community. (250 words)

In essays responding to these kinds of prompts, its smart to more deliberately tailor your essay to what you know about the institution and its values around diversity. You’ll need a substantial part of the essay to address not only your “story” but your anticipated institutional contribution.

Diversity College Essay Examples of Prompts – Navigating Difference

The last type of diversity essay prompt worth mentioning asks applicants to explain how they experience and navigate difference. It could be a prompt about dealing with “diverse perspectives.” Or it could ask the applicant to tell a story involving someone different than them. Regardless of the framing, these types of prompts ask you to unfold a theory of diversity stemming from social encounters. Applicants might still think of how they can use the essay to frame what makes them unique. However, here colleges are also hoping for insight into how applicants will deal with the immense diversity of college life beyond their unique experiences. In these cases, it’s especially important to use a story kernel to draw attention to fundamental beliefs and values around diversity.

  How to Write a Diversity Essay – Tips for Writing

Before we get to the diversity college essay examples, some general tips for writing the diversity essay:

• Be authentic: This is not the place to embellish, exaggerate, or overstate your experiences. Writing with humility and awareness of your own limitations can only help you with the diversity essay. So don’t write about who you think the admissions committee wants to see – write about yourself.
• Find dynamic intersections: One effective brainstorming strategy is to think of two or more aspects of your background, identity, and interests you might combine. For example, in one of the examples below, the writer talks about their speech impediment alongside their passion for poetry. By thinking of aspects of your experience to combine, you’ll likely generate more original material than focusing on just one.
• Include a thesis: Diversity essays follow more general conventions of personal statement writing. That means you should tell a story about yourself, but also make it double as an argumentative piece of writing. Including a thesis in the first paragraph can clearly signal the argumentative hook of the essay for your reader.
• Include your definition of diversity: Early in the essay you should define what diversity means to you. It’s important that this definition is as original as possible, preferably connecting to the story you are narrating. To avoid cliché, you might write out a bunch of definitions of diversity. Then, review them and get rid of any that seem like something you’d see in a dictionary or an inspirational poster. Get those clichéd definitions out of your system early, so you can wow your audience with your own carefully considered definition.

How to Write a Diversity Essay – Tips for Writing (Cont.)

• Zoom out to diversity more broadly: This tip is especially important you are not writing about protected minority identities like race, religion, and sexuality. Again, it’s fine to not focus on these aspects of diversity. But you’ll want to have some space in the essay where you connect your very specific understanding of diversity to a larger system of values that can include those identities.

Revision is another, evergreen tip for writing good diversity essays. You should also remember that you are writing in a personal and narrative-based genre. So, try to be as creative as possible! If you find enjoyment in writing it, chances are better your audience will find entertainment value in reading it.

How to Write a Diversity Essay – Diversity Essay Examples

The first example addresses the “share a story” prompt. It is written in the voice of Karim Amir, the main character of Hanif Kureishi’s novel The Buddha of Suburbia .

As a child of the suburbs, I have frequently navigated the labyrinthine alleys of identity. Born to an English mother and an Indian father, I inherited a rich blend of traditions, customs, and perspectives. From an early age, I found myself straddling two worlds, trying to reconcile the conflicting expectations of my dual heritage. Yet, it was only through the lens of acting that I began to understand the true fluidity of identity.

• A fairly typical table setting first paragraph, foregrounding themes of identity and performance
• Includes a “thesis” in the final sentence suggesting the essay’s narrative and argumentative arc

Diversity, to me, is more than just a buzzword describing a melting pot of ethnic backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations. Instead, it evokes the unfathomable heterogeneity of human experience that I aim to help capture through performance. On the stage, I have often been slotted into Asian and other ethnic minority roles. I’ve had to deal with discriminatory directors who complain I am not Indian enough. Sometimes, it has even been tempting to play into established stereotypes attached to the parts I am playing. However, acting has ultimately helped me to see that the social types we imagine when we think of the word ‘diversity’ are ultimately fantastical constructions. Prescribed identities may help us to feel a sense of belonging, but they also distort what makes us radically unique.

• Includes an original definition of diversity, which the writer compellingly contrasts with clichéd definitions
• Good narrative dynamism, stressing how the writer has experienced growth over time

Diversity Essay Examples Continued – Example One

The main challenge for an actor is to dig beneath the “type” of character to find the real human being underneath. Rising to this challenge entails discarding with lazy stereotypes and scaling what can seem to be insurmountable differences. Bringing human drama to life, making it believable, requires us to realize a more fundamental meaning of diversity. It means locating each character at their own unique intersection of identity. My story, like all the stories I aspire to tell as an actor, can inspire others to search for and celebrate their specificity. 

• Focuses in on the kernel of wisdom acquired over the course of the narrative
• Indirectly suggests what the applicant can contribute to the admitted class

Acting has ultimately underlined an important takeaway of my dual heritage: all identities are, in a sense, performed. This doesn’t mean that heritage is not important, or that identities are not significant rallying points for community. Instead, it means recognizing that identity isn’t a prison, but a stage.

• Draws the reader back to where the essay began, locating them at the intersection of two aspects of writer’s background
• Sharply and deftly weaves a course between saying identities are fictions and saying that identities matter (rather than potentially alienating reader by picking one over the other)

Diversity Essay Examples Continued – Example Two

The second example addresses a prompt about what the applicant can contribute to a diverse campus. It is written from the perspective of Jason Taylor, David Mitchell’s protagonist in Black Swan Green .

Growing up with a stutter, each word was a hesitant step, every sentence a delicate balance between perseverance and frustration. I came to think of the written word as a sanctuary away from the staccato rhythm of my speech. In crafting melodically flowing poems, I discovered a language unfettered by the constraints of my impediment. However, diving deeper into poetry eventually made me realize how my stammer had a humanistic rhythm all its own.

• Situates us at the intersection of two themes – a speech impediment and poetry – and uses the thesis to gesture to their synthesis
• Nicely matches form and content. The writer uses this opportunity to demonstrate their facility with literary language.

Immersing myself in the genius of Langston Hughes, Walt Whitman, and Maya Angelou, I learned to embrace the beauty of diversity in language, rhythm, and life itself. Angelou wrote that “Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances.” For me, this quote illuminates how diversity is not simply a static expression of discrete differences. Instead, diversity teaches us the beauty of a multitude of rhythms we can learn from and incorporate in a mutual dance. If “everything in the universe has a rhythm,” then it’s also possible that anything can be poetry. Even my stuttering speech can dance.

• Provides a unique definition of diversity
• Conveys growth over time
• Connects kernel of wisdom back to the essay’s narrative starting point

As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I bring with me the lessons learned from the interplay of rhythm and verse. I bring a perspective rooted in empathy, an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, and a belief in language as the ultimate tool of transformative social connection. I am prepared to enter your university community, adding a unique voice that refuses to be silent. 

• Directly addresses how background and experiences will contribute to campus life
• Conveys contributions in an analytic mode (second sentence) and more literary and personal mode (third sentence)

Additional Resources 

Diversity essays can seem intimidating because of the political baggage we bring to the word ‘diversity.’ But applicants should feel liberated by the opportunity to describe what makes them unique. It doesn’t matter if applicants choose to write about aspects of identity, life experiences, or personal challenges. What matters is telling a compelling story of personal growth. Also significant is relating that story to an original theory of the function and value of diversity in society. At the end of the day, committees want to know their applicants deeper and get a holistic sense of how they will improve the educational lives of those around them.

Additional Reading and Resources

• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples 
• How to Write the Overcoming Challenges Essay + Example
• Common App Essay Prompts
• Why This College Essay – Tips for Success
• How to Write a Body Paragraph for a College Essay
• UC Essay Examples 
• College Essay

Tyler Talbott

Tyler holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Missouri and two Master of Arts degrees in English, one from the University of Maryland and another from Northwestern University. Currently, he is a PhD candidate in English at Northwestern University, where he also works as a graduate writing fellow.

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• How to Write a Diversity Essay | Tips & Examples

How to Write a Diversity Essay | Tips & Examples

Published on November 1, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on May 31, 2023.

Table of contents

What is a diversity essay, identify how you will enrich the campus community, share stories about your lived experience, explain how your background or identity has affected your life, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

Diversity essays ask students to highlight an important aspect of their identity, background, culture, experience, viewpoints, beliefs, skills, passions, goals, etc.

Diversity essays can come in many forms. Some scholarships are offered specifically for students who come from an underrepresented background or identity in higher education. At highly competitive schools, supplemental diversity essays require students to address how they will enhance the student body with a unique perspective, identity, or background.

In the Common Application and applications for several other colleges, some main essay prompts ask about how your background, identity, or experience has affected you.

Why schools want a diversity essay

Many universities believe a student body representing different perspectives, beliefs, identities, and backgrounds will enhance the campus learning and community experience.

Admissions officers are interested in hearing about how your unique background, identity, beliefs, culture, or characteristics will enrich the campus community.

Through the diversity essay, admissions officers want students to articulate the following:

• What makes them different from other applicants
• Stories related to their background, identity, or experience
• How their unique lived experience has affected their outlook, activities, and goals

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Think about what aspects of your identity or background make you unique, and choose one that has significantly impacted your life.

For some students, it may be easy to identify what sets them apart from their peers. But if you’re having trouble identifying what makes you different from other applicants, consider your life from an outsider’s perspective. Don’t presume your lived experiences are normal or boring just because you’re used to them.

Some examples of identities or experiences that you might write about include the following:

• Race/ethnicity
• Gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Nationality
• Socioeconomic status
• Immigration background
• Religion/belief system
• Place of residence
• Family circumstances
• Extracurricular activities related to diversity

Include vulnerable, authentic stories about your lived experiences. Maintain focus on your experience rather than going into too much detail comparing yourself to others or describing their experiences.

Keep the focus on you

Tell a story about how your background, identity, or experience has impacted you. While you can briefly mention another person’s experience to provide context, be sure to keep the essay focused on you. Admissions officers are mostly interested in learning about your lived experience, not anyone else’s.

When I was a baby, my grandmother took me in, even though that meant postponing her retirement and continuing to work full-time at the local hairdresser. Even working every shift she could, she never missed a single school play or soccer game.

She and I had a really special bond, even creating our own special language to leave each other secret notes and messages. She always pushed me to succeed in school, and celebrated every academic achievement like it was worthy of a Nobel Prize. Every month, any leftover tip money she received at work went to a special 509 savings plan for my college education.

When I was in the 10th grade, my grandmother was diagnosed with ALS. We didn’t have health insurance, and what began with quitting soccer eventually led to dropping out of school as her condition worsened. In between her doctor’s appointments, keeping the house tidy, and keeping her comfortable, I took advantage of those few free moments to study for the GED.

In school pictures at Raleigh Elementary School, you could immediately spot me as “that Asian girl.” At lunch, I used to bring leftover fun see noodles, but after my classmates remarked how they smelled disgusting, I begged my mom to make a “regular” lunch of sliced bread, mayonnaise, and deli meat.

Although born and raised in North Carolina, I felt a cultural obligation to learn my “mother tongue” and reconnect with my “homeland.” After two years of all-day Saturday Chinese school, I finally visited Beijing for the first time, expecting I would finally belong. While my face initially assured locals of my Chinese identity, the moment I spoke, my cover was blown. My Chinese was littered with tonal errors, and I was instantly labeled as an “ABC,” American-born Chinese.

I felt culturally homeless.

Speak from your own experience

Highlight your actions, difficulties, and feelings rather than comparing yourself to others. While it may be tempting to write about how you have been more or less fortunate than those around you, keep the focus on you and your unique experiences, as shown below.

I began to despair when the FAFSA website once again filled with red error messages.

I had been at the local library for hours and hadn’t even been able to finish the form, much less the other to-do items for my application.

I am the first person in my family to even consider going to college. My parents work two jobs each, but even then, it’s sometimes very hard to make ends meet. Rather than playing soccer or competing in speech and debate, I help my family by taking care of my younger siblings after school and on the weekends.

“We only speak one language here. Speak proper English!” roared a store owner when I had attempted to buy bread and accidentally used the wrong preposition.

In middle school, I had relentlessly studied English grammar textbooks and received the highest marks.

Leaving Seoul was hard, but living in West Orange, New Jersey was much harder一especially navigating everyday communication with Americans.

After sharing relevant personal stories, make sure to provide insight into how your lived experience has influenced your perspective, activities, and goals. You should also explain how your background led you to apply to this university and why you’re a good fit.

Include your outlook, actions, and goals

Conclude your essay with an insight about how your background or identity has affected your outlook, actions, and goals. You should include specific actions and activities that you have done as a result of your insight.

One night, before the midnight premiere of Avengers: Endgame , I stopped by my best friend Maria’s house. Her mother prepared tamales, churros, and Mexican hot chocolate, packing them all neatly in an Igloo lunch box. As we sat in the line snaking around the AMC theater, I thought back to when Maria and I took salsa classes together and when we belted out Selena’s “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” at karaoke. In that moment, as I munched on a chicken tamale, I realized how much I admired the beauty, complexity, and joy in Maria’s culture but had suppressed and devalued my own.

The following semester, I joined Model UN. Since then, I have learned how to proudly represent other countries and have gained cultural perspectives other than my own. I now understand that all cultures, including my own, are equal. I still struggle with small triggers, like when I go through airport security and feel a suspicious glance toward me, or when I feel self-conscious for bringing kabsa to school lunch. But in the future, I hope to study and work in international relations to continue learning about other cultures and impart a positive impression of Saudi culture to the world.

The smell of the early morning dew and the welcoming whinnies of my family’s horses are some of my most treasured childhood memories. To this day, our farm remains so rural that we do not have broadband access, and we’re too far away from the closest town for the postal service to reach us.

Going to school regularly was always a struggle: between the unceasing demands of the farm and our lack of connectivity, it was hard to keep up with my studies. Despite being a voracious reader, avid amateur chemist, and active participant in the classroom, emergencies and unforeseen events at the farm meant that I had a lot of unexcused absences.

Although it had challenges, my upbringing taught me resilience, the value of hard work, and the importance of family. Staying up all night to watch a foal being born, successfully saving the animals from a minor fire, and finding ways to soothe a nervous mare afraid of thunder have led to an unbreakable family bond.

Our farm is my family’s birthright and our livelihood, and I am eager to learn how to ensure the farm’s financial and technological success for future generations. In college, I am looking forward to joining a chapter of Future Farmers of America and studying agricultural business to carry my family’s legacy forward.

Tailor your answer to the university

After explaining how your identity or background will enrich the university’s existing student body, you can mention the university organizations, groups, or courses in which you’re interested.

Maybe a larger public school setting will allow you to broaden your community, or a small liberal arts college has a specialized program that will give you space to discover your voice and identity. Perhaps this particular university has an active affinity group you’d like to join.

Demonstrating how a university’s specific programs or clubs are relevant to you can show that you’ve done your research and would be a great addition to the university.

At the University of Michigan Engineering, I want to study engineering not only to emulate my mother’s achievements and strength, but also to forge my own path as an engineer with disabilities. I appreciate the University of Michigan’s long-standing dedication to supporting students with disabilities in ways ranging from accessible housing to assistive technology. At the University of Michigan Engineering, I want to receive a top-notch education and use it to inspire others to strive for their best, regardless of their circumstances.

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

In addition to your main college essay , some schools and scholarships may ask for a supplementary essay focused on an aspect of your identity or background. This is sometimes called a diversity essay .

Many universities believe a student body composed of different perspectives, beliefs, identities, and backgrounds will enhance the campus learning and community experience.

Admissions officers are interested in hearing about how your unique background, identity, beliefs, culture, or characteristics will enrich the campus community, which is why they assign a diversity essay .

To write an effective diversity essay , include vulnerable, authentic stories about your unique identity, background, or perspective. Provide insight into how your lived experience has influenced your outlook, activities, and goals. If relevant, you should also mention how your background has led you to apply for this university and why you’re a good fit.

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6 Diversity College Essay Examples

What’s covered:, how to write the diversity essay after the end of affirmative action, essay #1: jewish identity, essay #2: being bangladeshi-american, essay #3: marvel vs dc, essay #4: leadership as a first-gen american, essay #5: protecting the earth, essay #6: music and accents, where to get your diversity essays edited, what is the diversity essay.

While working on your college applications, you may come across essays that focus on diversity , culture, or values. The purpose of these essays is to highlight any diverse views or opinions that you may bring to campus. Colleges want a diverse student body that’s made up of different backgrounds, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and interests. These essay prompts are a way for them to see what students can bring to their school.

In this post, we will share six essays written by real students that cover the topic of culture and diversity. We’ll also include what each essay did well and where there is room for improvement. Hopefully, this will be a useful resource to inspire your own diversity essay.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. That said, you should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and they will not have a favorable view of students who have plagiarized.

In June 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the use of race in college admissions was unconstitutional. In other words, they struck down the use of affirmative action in college admissions . This will affect college-bound students of color in a number of ways, including lowering their chances of acceptance and reducing the amount of direct outreach they’ll receive from colleges. Another change to consider is the ways in which students should tackle their diversity essays.

Although colleges can no longer directly factor race into admissions, students aren’t prohibited from discussing their racial backgrounds in supplemental application essays. If your racial background is important to you, seriously consider writing about it in your diversity essays. If you don’t, admissions officers are extremely limited in their ability to consider your race when making an admission decision.

As in the essays listed below, discussing your race is an excellent tool for showing admissions officers the person behind the grades and test scores. Beyond that, it provides admissions officers with an opportunity to put themselves in your shoes—showing them how your background has presented challenges to overcome, helped build important life skills, and taught you valuable lessons.

Diversity Essay Examples

I was thirsty. In my wallet was a lone $10 bill, ultimately useless at my school’s vending machine. Tasked with scrounging together the $1 cost of a water bottle, I fished out and arranged the spare change that normally hid in the bottom of my backpack in neat piles of nickels and dimes on my desk. I swept them into a spare Ziploc and began to leave when a classmate snatched the bag and held it above my head.

“Want your money back, Jew?” she chanted, waving the coins around. I had forgotten the Star-of-David around my neck, but quickly realized she must have seen it and connected it to the stacks of coins. I am no stranger to experiencing and confronting antisemitism, but I had never been targeted in my school before. I grabbed my bag and sternly told her to leave. Although she sauntered away, the impact remained.

This incident serves as an example of the adversity I have and will continue to face from those who only see me as a stereotype. Ironically, however, these experiences of discrimination have only increased my pride as a member of the Jewish Community. Continuing to wear the Star-of-David connects me to my history and my family. I find meaning and direction in my community’s values, such as pride, education, and giving—and I am eager to transfer these values to my new community: the Duke community.

What the Essay Did Well

Writing about discrimination can be difficult, but if you are comfortable doing it, it can make for a powerful story. Although this essay is short and focused on one small interaction, it represents a much larger struggle for this student, and for that reason it makes the essay very impactful.

The author takes her time at the beginning of the essay to build the scene for the audience, which allows us to feel like we are there with her, making the hateful comments even more jarring later on. If she had just told us her classmate teased her with harmful stereotypes, we wouldn’t feel the same sense of anger as we do knowing that she was just trying to get a drink and ended up being harassed.

This essay does another important thing—it includes self-reflection on the experience and on the student’s identity. Without elaborating on the emotional impact of a situation, an essay about discrimination would make admission officers feel bad for the student, but they wouldn’t be compelled to admit the student. By describing how experiences like these drive her and make her more determined to embody positive values, this student reveals her character to the readers.

What Could Be Improved

While including emotional reflection in the latter half of the essay is important, the actual sentences could be tightened up a bit to leave a stronger impression. The student does a nice job of showing us her experience with antisemitism, but she just tells us about the impact it has on her. If she instead showed us what the impact looked like, the essay would be even better.

For example, rather than telling us “Continuing to wear the Star-of-David connects me to my history and my family,” she could have shown that connection: “My Star-of-David necklace thumps against my heart with every step I take, reminding me of my great-grandparents who had to hide their stars, my grandma’s spindly fingers lighting the menorah each Hanukkah, and my uncle’s homemade challah bread.” This new sentence reveals so much more than the existing sentence about the student and the deep connection she feels with her family and religion.

Life before was good: verdant forests, sumptuous curries, and a devoted family.

Then, my family abandoned our comfortable life in Bangladesh for a chance at the American dream in Los Angeles. Within our first year, my father was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He lost his battle three weeks before my sixth birthday. Facing a new country without the steady presence of my father, we were vulnerable—prisoners of hardship in the land of the free.

We resettled in the Bronx, in my uncle’s renovated basement. It was meant to be our refuge, but I felt more displaced than ever. Gone were the high-rise condos of West L.A.; instead, government projects towered over the neighborhood. Pedestrians no longer smiled and greeted me; the atmosphere was hostile, even toxic. Schoolkids were quick to pick on those they saw as weak or foreign, hurling harsh words I’d never heard before.

Meanwhile, my family began integrating into the local Bangladeshi community. I struggled to understand those who shared my heritage. Bangladeshi mothers stayed home while fathers drove cabs and sold fruit by the roadside—painful societal positions. Riding on crosstown buses or walking home from school, I began to internalize these disparities.

During my fleeting encounters with affluent Upper East Siders, I saw kids my age with nannies, parents who wore suits to work, and luxurious apartments with spectacular views. Most took cabs to their destinations: cabs that Bangladeshis drove. I watched the mundane moments of their lives with longing, aching to plant myself in their shoes. Shame prickled down my spine. I distanced myself from my heritage, rejecting the traditional panjabis worn on Eid and refusing the torkari we ate for dinner every day.

As I grappled with my relationship with the Bangladeshi community, I turned my attention to helping my Bronx community by pursuing an internship with Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda. I handled desk work and took calls, spending the bulk of my time actively listening to the hardships constituents faced—everything from a veteran stripped of his benefits to a grandmother unable to support her bedridden grandchild.

I’d never exposed myself to stories like these, and now I was the first to hear them. As an intern, I could only assist in what felt like the small ways—pointing out local job offerings, printing information on free ESL classes, reaching out to non-profits. But to a community facing an onslaught of intense struggles, I realized that something as small as these actions could have vast impacts.

Seeing the immediate consequences of my actions inspired me. Throughout that summer, I internalized my community’s daily challenges in a new light. I began to see the prevalent underemployment and cramped living quarters less as sources of shame. Instead, I saw them as realities that had to be acknowledged, but that could ultimately be remedied.

I also realized the benefits of the Bangladeshi culture I had been so ashamed of. My Bangla language skills were an asset to the office, and my understanding of Bangladeshi etiquette allowed for smooth communication between office staff and the office’s constituents. As I helped my neighbors navigate city services, I saw my heritage with pride—a perspective I never expected to have.

I can now appreciate the value of my unique culture and background, and the value of living with less. This perspective offers room for progress, community integration, and a future worth fighting for. My time with Assemblyman Sepulveda’s office taught me that I can be an agent of change who can enable this progression. Far from being ashamed of my community, I want to someday return to local politics in the Bronx to continue helping others access the American Dream. I hope to help my community appreciate the opportunity to make progress together. By embracing reality, I learned to live it. Along the way, I discovered one thing: life is good, but we can make it better.

This student’s passion for social justice and civic duty shines through in this essay because of how honest it is. Sharing their personal experience with immigrating, moving around, being an outsider, and finding a community allows us to see the hardships this student has faced and builds empathy towards their situation.

However, what really makes it strong is that the student goes beyond describing the difficulties they faced and explains the mental impact it had on them as a child: “Shame prickled down my spine. I distanced myself from my heritage, rejecting the traditional panjabis worn on Eid and refusing the torkari we ate for dinner every day.” The rejection of their culture presented at the beginning of the essay creates a nice juxtaposition with the student’s view in the latter half of the essay, and helps demonstrate how they have matured.

They then use their experience interning as a way to delve into a change in their thought process about their culture. This experience also serves as a way to show how their passion for social justice began. Using this experience as a mechanism to explore their thoughts and feelings is an excellent example of how items that are included elsewhere on your application should be incorporated into your essay.

This essay prioritizes emotions and personal views over specific anecdotes. Although there are details and certain moments incorporated throughout to emphasize the author’s points, the main focus remains on the student and how they grapple with their culture and identity.

One area for improvement is the conclusion. Although the forward-looking approach is a nice way to end an essay focused on social justice, it would be nice to include more details and imagery in the conclusion. How does the student want to help their community? What government position do they see themselves holding one day?

A more impactful ending might describe the student walking into their office at the New York City Housing Authority in 15 years. This future student might be looking at the plans to build a new development in the Bronx just blocks away from where they grew up that would provide quality housing to people in their Bangladeshi community. They would smile while thinking about how far they have come from that young kid who used to be ashamed of their culture.

Superhero cinema is an oligopoly consisting of two prominent, towering brands: Marvel and DC. I’m a religious supporter of Marvel, but last year, I discovered that my friend, Tom, was a DC fan. After a vociferous 20-minute quarrel about which was better, we decided to allocate one day to have a professional debate, using carefully assembled and coherent arguments.

One week later, we both brought pages of notes and evidence cards (I also had my Iron-Man bobblehead for moral support). Our impartial moderator—a Disney fan—sat in the middle with a stopwatch, open-policy style. I began the debate by discussing how Marvel accentuated the humanity of the storyline—such as in Tony Stark’s transformation from an egotistical billionaire to a compassionate father—which drew in a broader audience, because more people resonated with certain aspects of the characters. Tom rebutted this by capitalizing on how Deadpool was a duplicate of Deathstroke, how Vision copied Red Tornado, and how DC sold more comics than Marvel.

40 minutes later, we reached an impasse. We were out of cards, and we both made excellent points, so our moderator was unable to declare a winner. Difficult conversations aren’t necessarily always the ones that make political headlines. Instead, a difficult discussion involves any topic with which people share an emotional connection.

Over the years, I became so emotionally invested in Marvel that my mind erected an impenetrable shield, blocking out all other possibilities. Even today, we haven’t decided which franchise was better, but I realized that I was undermining DC for no reason other than my own ignorance.

The inevitability of diversity suggests that it is our responsibility to understand the other person and what they believe in. We may not always experience a change in opinion, but we can grant ourselves the opportunity to expand our global perspective. I strive to continue this adventure to increase my awareness as a superhero aficionado, activist, and student, by engaging in conversations that require me to think beyond what I believe and to view the world from others’ perspectives.

And yes, Tom is still my friend.

Diversity doesn’t always have to be about culture or heritage; diversity exists all around us, even in our comic book preferences. The cleverness of this essay lies in the way the student flipped the traditional diversity prompt on its head and instead discussed his diverse perspective on a topic he is passionate about. If you don’t have a cultural connection you are compelled to write about, this is a nifty approach to a diversity prompt—if it’s handled appropriately.

While this student has a non-traditional topic, he still presents it in a way that pays respect to the key aspects of a diversity essay: depicting his perspective and recognizing the importance of diverse views. Just as someone who is writing about a culture that is possibly unfamiliar to the reader, the student describes what makes Marvel and DC unique and important to him and his friend, respectively. He also expands on how a lack of diversity in superhero consumption led to his feeling of ignorance, and how it now makes him appreciate the need for diversity in all aspects of his life.

This student is unapologetically himself in this essay, which is ultimately why this unorthodox topic is able to work. He committed to his passion for Marvel by sharing analytical takes on characters and demonstrating how the franchise was so important to his identity that it momentarily threatened a friendship. The inclusion of humor through his personal voice—e.g., referring to the argument as a professional debate and telling us that the friendship lived on—contributes to the essay feeling deeply personal.

Choosing an unconventional topic for a diversity essay requires extra care and attention to ensure that you are still addressing the core of the prompt. That being said, if you accomplish it successfully, it makes for an incredibly memorable essay that could easily set you apart!

While this is a great essay as is, the idea of diversity could have been addressed a little bit earlier in the piece to make it absolutely clear the student is writing about his diverse perspective. He positions Marvel and DC as two behemoths in the superhero movie industry, but in the event that his reader is unfamiliar with these two brands, there is little context about the cultural impact each has on its fans.

To this student, Marvel is more than just a movie franchise; it’s a crucial part of his identity, just as someone’s race or religion might be. In order for the reader to fully understand the weight of his perspective, there should be further elaboration—towards the beginning—on how important Marvel is to this student.

Leadership was thrust upon me at a young age. When I was six years old, my abusive father abandoned my family, leaving me to step up as the “man” of the house. From having to watch over my little sister to cooking dinner three nights a week, I never lived an ideal suburban life. I didn’t enjoy the luxuries of joining after-school activities, getting driven to school or friends’ houses, or taking weekend trips to the movies or bowling alley. Instead, I spent my childhood navigating legal hurdles, shouldering family responsibilities, and begrudgingly attending court-mandated therapy sessions.

At the same time, I tried to get decent grades and maintain my Colombian roots and Spanish fluency enough to at least partially communicate with my grandparents, both of whom speak little English. Although my childhood had its bright and joyful moments, much of it was weighty and would have been exhausting for any child to bear. In short, I grew up fast. However, the responsibilities I took on at home prepared me to be a leader and to work diligently, setting me up to use these skills later in life.

I didn’t have much time to explore my interests until high school, where I developed my knack for government and for serving others. Being cast in a lead role in my school’s fall production as a freshman was the first thing to give me the confidence I needed to pursue other activities: namely, student government. Shortly after being cast, I was elected Freshman Vice-President, a role that put me in charge of promoting events, delegating daily office tasks, collaborating with the administration on new school initiatives, and planning trips and fundraisers.

While my new position demanded a significant amount of responsibility, my childhood of helping my mom manage our household prepared me to be successful in the role. When I saw the happy faces of my classmates after a big event, I felt proud to know that I had made even a small difference to them. Seeing projects through to a successful outcome was thrilling. I enjoyed my time and responsibilities so much that I served all four years of high school, going on to become Executive Vice-President.

As I found success in high school, my mother and grandparents began speaking more about the life they faced prior to emigrating from Colombia. To better connect with them, I took a series of Spanish language classes to regain my fluency. After a practice run through my presentation on Bendíceme, Ultima ( Bless me, Ultima ) by Rudolofo Anaya, with my grandmother, she squeezed my hand and told me the story of how my family was forced from their home in order to live free of religious persecution. Though my grandparents have often expressed how much better their lives and their children’s lives have been in America, I have often struggled with my identity. I felt that much of it was erased with my loss of our native language.

In elementary school, I learned English best because in class I was surrounded by it. Spanish was more difficult to grasp without a formal education, and my family urged me to become fluent in English so I could be of better help to them in places as disparate as government agencies and grocery stores. When I was old enough to recognize the large part of my identity still rooted in being Colombian, it was challenging to connect these two sides of who I was.

Over time I have been able to reconcile the two in the context of my aspirations. I found purpose and fulfillment through student council, and I knew that I could help other families like my own if I worked in local government. By working through city offices that address housing, education, and support for survivors of childhood abuse, I could give others the same liberties and opportunities my family has enjoyed in this country. Doing so would also help me honor my roots as a first-generation American.

I have been a leader my entire life. Both at Harvard and after graduation, I want to continue that trend. I hope to volunteer with organizations that share my goals. I want to advise policy-making politicians on ways to make children and new immigrants safer and more secure. When my family was at their worst, my community gave back. I hope to give that gift to future generations. A career in local, city-based public service is not a rashly made decision; it is a reflection of where I’ve already been in life, and where I want to be in the future.

Although this essay begins on a somber note, it goes on to show this student’s determination and the joy he found. Importantly, it also ends with a positive, forward-looking perspective. This is a great example of how including your hardship can bolster an essay as long as it is not the essay’s main focus.

Explaining the challenges this student faced from a young age—becoming the man of the house, dealing with legal matters, maintaining good grades, etc.—builds sympathy for his situation. However, the first paragraph is even more impactful because he explains the emotional toll these actions had on him. We understand how he lost the innocence of his childhood and how he struggled to remain connected to his Colombian heritage with all his other responsibilities. Including these details truly allows the reader to see this student’s struggle, making us all the more joyful when he comes out stronger in the end.

Pivoting to discuss positive experiences with student government and Spanish classes for the rest of the essay demonstrates that this student has a positive approach to life and is willing to push through challenges. The tone of the essay shifts from heavy to uplifting. He explains the joy he got out of helping his classmates and connecting with his grandparents, once again providing emotional reflection to make the reader care more.

Overall, this essay does a nice job of demonstrating how this student approaches challenges and negative experiences. Admitting that the responsibilities of his childhood had a silver lining shows his maturity and how he will be able to succeed in government one day. The essay strikes a healthy balance between challenge and hope, leaving us with a positive view of a student with such emotional maturity.

Although the content of this essay is very strong, it struggles with redundancy and disorganized information. He mentions his passion for government at the beginning of the student government paragraph, then again addresses government in the paragraph focused on his Colombian heritage, and concludes by talking about how he wants to get into government once more. Similarly, in the first paragraph, he discusses the struggle of maintaining his Colombian identity and then fully delves into that topic in the third paragraph.

The repetition of ideas and lack of a streamlined organization of this student’s thoughts diminishes some of the emotional impact of the story. The reader is left trying to piece together a swirling mass of information on their own, rather than having a focused, sequential order to follow.

This could be fixed if the student rearranged details to make each paragraph focused on a singular idea. For example, the first paragraph could be about his childhood. The second could be about how student government sparked his interest in government and what he hopes to do one day. The third could be about how he reconnected with his Colombian roots through his Spanish classes, after years of struggling with his identity. And the final paragraph could tie everything together by explaining how everything led to him wanting to pursue a future serving others, particularly immigrants like his family.

Alternatively, the essay could follow a sequential order that would start with his childhood, then explain his struggle with his identity, then show how student government and Spanish classes helped him find himself, and finally, conclude with what he hopes to accomplish by pursuing government.

I never understood the power of community until I left home to join seven strangers in the Ecuadorian rainforest. Although we flew in from distant corners of the U.S., we shared a common purpose: immersing ourselves in our passion for protecting the natural world.

Back home in my predominantly conservative suburb, my neighbors had brushed off environmental concerns. My classmates debated the feasibility of Trump’s wall, not the deteriorating state of our planet. Contrastingly, these seven strangers delighted in bird-watching, brightened at the mention of medicinal tree sap, and understood why I once ran across a four-lane highway to retrieve discarded beer cans.

Their histories barely resembled mine, yet our values aligned intimately. We did not hesitate to joke about bullet ants, gush about the versatility of tree bark, or discuss the destructive consequences of materialism. Together, we let our inner tree-huggers run free.

In the short life of our little community, we did what we thought was impossible. By feeding on each other’s infectious tenacity, we cultivated an atmosphere that deepened our commitment to our values and empowered us to speak out on behalf of the environment. After a week of stimulating conversations and introspective revelations about engaging people from our hometowns in environmental advocacy, we developed a shared determination to devote our lives to this cause.

As we shared a goodbye hug, my new friend whispered, “The world needs saving. Someone’s gotta do it.” For the first time, I believed that that someone could be me.

This student is expressing their diversity through their involvement in a particular community—another nice approach if you don’t want to write about culture or ethnicity. We all have unique things that we geek out over. This student expresses the joy that they derived from finding a community where they could express their love for the environment. Passion is fundamental to university life and generally finds its way into any successful application.

The essay finds strength in the fact that readers feel for the student. We get a little bit of backstory about where they come from and how they felt silenced— “Back home in my predominantly conservative suburb, my neighbors had brushed off environmental concerns” —so it’s easy to feel joy for them when they get set free and finally find their community.

This student displays clear values: community, ecoconsciousness, dedication, and compassion. An admissions officer who reads a diversity essay is looking for students with strong values who will enrich the university community with their unique perspective—that sounds just like this student!

One area of weakness in this essay is the introduction. The opening line— “I never understood the power of community until I left home to join seven strangers in the Ecuadorian rainforest” —is a bit clichéd. Introductions should be captivating and build excitement and suspense for what is to come. Simply telling the reader about how your experience made you understand the power of community reveals the main takeaway of your essay without the reader needing to go any further.

Instead of starting this essay with a summary of what the essay is about, the student should have made their hook part of the story. Whether that looks like them being exasperated with comments their classmates made about politics, or them looking around apprehensively at the seven strangers in their program as they all boarded their flight, the student should start off in the action.

India holds a permanent place in my heart and ears. Whenever I returned on a trip or vacation, I would show my grandmother how to play Monopoly and she would let me tie her sari. I would teach my grandfather English idioms—which he would repeat to random people and fishmongers on the streets—and he would teach me Telugu phrases.

It was a curious exchange of worlds that I am reminded of every time I listen to Indian music. It was these tunes that helped me reconnect with my heritage and ground my meandering identity. Indian music, unlike the stereotype I’d long been imbued with, was not just a one-and-done Bollywood dance number! Each region and language was like an island with its own unique sonic identity. I’m grateful for my discovery of Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil tunes, for these discoveries have opened me up to the incredible smorgasbord of diversity, depth, and complexity within the subcontinent I was born in.

Here’s an entirely-different sonic identity for you: Texan slang. “Couldya pass the Mango seltzer, please, hon?” asked my Houstonian neighbor, Rae Ann—her syllables melding together like the sticky cake batter we were making.

Rae Ann and her twang were real curiosities to me. Once, she invited my family to a traditional Texan barbecue with the rest of our neighbors. As Hindus, we didn’t eat beef, so we showed up with chicken kebabs, instead. Rather than looking at us bizarrely, she gladly accepted the dish, lining it up beside grilled loins and hamburger patties.

Her gesture was a small but very well-accepted one and I quickly became convinced she was the human manifestation of “Southern hospitality”—something reflected in each of her viscous, honey-dripping phrases. “Watch out for the skeeters!” was an excellent example. It was always funny at first, but conveyed a simple message: We’ve got each other’s backs and together, we can overcome the blood-sucking mosquitoes of the Houstonian summer! I began to see how her words built bridges, not boundaries.

I believe that sounds—whether it’s music or accents—can make a difference in the ways we perceive and accept individuals from other backgrounds. But sound is about listening too. In Rice’s residential college, I would be the type of person to strike up a conversation with an international student and ask for one of their Airpods (you’d be surprised how many different genres and languages of music I’ve picked up in this way!).

As both an international student and Houstonian at heart, I hope to bridge the gap between Rice’s domestic and international populations. Whether it’s organizing cultural events or simply taking the time to get to know a student whose first language isn’t English, I look forward to listening to the stories that only a fellow wanderer can tell.

This essay does an excellent job of addressing two aspects of this student’s identity. Looking at diversity through sound is a very creative way to descriptively depict their Indian and Texan cultures. Essays are always more successful when they stimulate the senses, so framing the entire response around sound automatically opens the door for vivid imagery.

The quotes from this student’s quirky neighbor bring a sense of realism to the essay. We can feel ourselves at the barbecue and hear her thick Texan accent coming through. The way people communicate is a huge part of their culture and identity, so the way that this student perfectly captures the essence of their Texan identity with accented phrases is skillfully done.

This essay does such a great job of making the sounds of Texas jump off the page, so it is a bit disappointing that it wasn’t able to accomplish the same for India. The student describes the different Indian languages and music styles, but doesn’t bring them to life with quotes or onomatopoeia in the manner that they did for the sounds of Texas.

They could have described the buzz of the sitar or the lyrical pattern of the Telugu phrases their grandfather taught them. Telling us about the diversity of sounds in Indian music is fine, but if the reader can’t appreciate what those sounds resemble, it makes it harder to understand the Indian half of the author’s identity. Especially since this student emulated the sounds and essence of Texas so well, it’s important that India is given the same treatment so we can fully appreciate both sides of this essay.

More Supplemental Essay Tips

How to Write a Stellar “Why This College?” Essay + Examples

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Do you want feedback on your diversity essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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Home Essay Samples Sociology

Essay Samples on Diversity

What does diversity mean to you: exploring the rich tapestry of differences.

What does diversity mean to you? When we pause to reflect on the world around us, we find that it is a mosaic of identities, cultures, and experiences. Diversity, in all its forms, is the cornerstone of our society's fabric. In this essay, we will...

• Cultural Diversity

European Integration In The 21st Century: Unity In Diversity

Background The beginning of “European integration” journey, after the Second War World, was characterized by powerful sentiment, that lead to the creation of the “European Coal and Steel Community” in 1951, such as trust, enthusiasm, optimism, hope; unfortunately, today seems that distrust, doubt, scepticism and...

• European Union

Unity In Diversity: Feeling Unified With Others

“If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.” This is a famous quote, from John F.Kennedy, stated fifty-five years ago. Through Kennedy’s words, it is evident that the concept of diversity has been around for...

• Individual Identity

Defining What Diversity And Inclusion Mean To Me

Ng & Sears (2011) pointed another kind of leadership called “Transactional leadership.” These leaders are mainly very effective for businesses as their leadership is heavily influenced by the task management, utility maximization, and organizational legislation. They are based on exercising bureaucratic authority and legitimate power....

• Personal Beliefs

The Meaning Of Diversity To Me And Society

Cultural diversity (also referred to as multiculturalism) may be a cluster of various people from totally different cultures or societies. Usually, cultural diversity takes under consideration language, religion, race, sexual orientation, gender, age and their ethnic background. Cultural diversity is vital as a result of...

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Analysis Of The Gender Diversity Issue In The Judicial System

It took 83 years for a female judge to be appointed regarding the fact that being a judge is seen primarily as a male position in society. This traditional gender role can become an issue as judges are responsible for judicial policy making for both...

• Gender Inequality
• Judicial System

The Diversity, Democracy, and Dissent Politics in India

The term Democracy was first coined during the 5th century BC in Greece and Athens to describe a State which was ruled 'by the people' in contrast to the then prevailing Aristocracy, or 'rule by the elites'. However, although these two words were directly opposite...

Glory Road: Analysing the Long-Term Effects of Racial Diversity in Basketball

In the 1966 NCAA championship, El Paso’s Texas Western College Miners, a small southern college, accomplished to win the NCAA championship against the four times NCAA champions, University of Kentucky Wildcats. The Wildcats were known to be the strongest basketball team in the nation. This...

The American Orientalism and Its Slow Intervention in the American Culture

Orientalism is a mighty envisioned that can be depicted in various ways. In any case, 'orientalism' can be seen as a conviction structure, an outline of inclinations that supports a suspicion European control over the East and along these lines point of fact or unequivocally...

• Cultural Anthropology
• Orientalism

The Experience of White Privilege in White Like Me

White Privilege is a real thing in our society, it’s has been internalized making it seem like it's nothing different, it's just part of life. The definition of Privilege is a special right to resources such as housing and jobs. Within Privalage there are resources...

• White Like Me
• White Privilege

White Like Me: Exploring the Other Side of Racism and White Privilege

Introduction White Like Me is a documentary by Tim Wise’s on his life in a majorly black neighborhood growing up with black friends. It covers his views about white privilege and the structural advantages given to white people as he experienced first hand. Disregarding the...

The Negative Perception of People of Color from the Eyes of the White Person

The United States has the advantage of being a melting pot but still faces the issue of racism. Tim Wise in The Pathology of Privilege Racism, White Denial & the Costs of Inequality addresses the concern of stereotyping, racism, and privilege. His claims are presented...

Diversity and Social Complexity of Africans Before the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade

When looking at America’s history, something that many have taken note of is the differences seen among individuals from different eras. Many have differentiated mindsets, customs, appearances, etc shaped by the values of the era they lived in and their environment. However, people tend to...

• Atlantic Slave Trade

The Reasons for Attraction of Cultural Relativism

Cultural relativism maintains that moral standards are relative to culture, much like the diverse norms of etiquette one can see across different cultures. According to this view, the very fact that something is accepted by the majority in a society makes it morally correct. I...

The Awareness of Interconnection between Race and Sexuality

In contemporary societies race is more discussed than ever before and it is critical to think about the differences which individuals have between them to acknowledge the causes of conflicts, search for practical ways to solve them and eventually promote peace and tolerance between nations....

• Race and Sexuality

Embodiment of Globalisation in the Modern World

Varying and abundant, today’s problems are often complex in nature. Many of these problems are more difficult to address than others due to the intensifying heterogeneous nature of societies which results in various stances on goal-formulation, problem-definition, and equity issues (Rittel & Webber, 1973). The...

• Globalisation

Differentiating Concepts of Anti-, De-, and Globalisation

There are many ways to explain what Globalisation is but the simplest version of what it is – it’s a term used for the independence and vast relationship of trade and other business-related factors with countries. Globalisation is a term used when factors such as...

The Inclusivity and Diversity of the New York City

Everyone has a place that helps bring clarity to their life, and for me that place is New York City. Someone may ask, what is so great about New York City? What draws all these people from around the world to this one spot? I...

• New York City

The Act of Segregation in the West Africa

A land whose ancestors have no barrier in race have engage in the act of segregating each other, a puzzle one could hardly believe does exist in Africa. My name is Sia Jimissa, I originate from Kono, eastern region of Sierra Leone a country in...

• Segregation

The Right to Diversity for Everyone and Cultural Exchange

Today, due to the influence of modern technology and globalization, the degree of cultural exchange is greater than in the past, but there are still many differences, including conceptual differences. What we are or what we believe depends mainly on the culture we feel, live...

• Language Diversity
• Types of Human Rights

Ethnocentrism in Cultural Relativism and Diversity

This paper will address several components of culture, ethnocentrism, and cultural relativism. The first section will define the terms of culture, ethnocentrism, and cultural relativism. The second section will address personal cultural group that I belong to. The third section will address my perspectives with...

• Cultural Relativism
• Ethnocentrism

The Theme of Acceptance of Diversity in "Nikki Rosa" by Nikki Giovanni

Nikki Rosa is poem about someone’s (Nikki Giovanni) childhood being poor but making the best of it and relying on family to be happy regardless of their circumstances, although colour plays a major role growing up in this black suburbs of Cincinnati Ohio. The poem...

• Literature Review

An Examination of Social Identity Among Humans

As human beings of various ethnic descents who were raised in different parts of the world, we develop societies of distinct characteristics in which members of each share similar customs, culture and identity, to name a few. Social identity is defined as “that part of...

• Cultural Identity

A New Aged Care Facilities: The Cultural Diversity

Australia has 46% of people who were born overseas and has an emigrant parent. Because of social influence, Australian aging and emigrants from the diverse culture have special health needs. Factors such as detachment from other community or culture, social-control, unobtainable health facilities or information,...

• Universal Health Care

Diversities In The Indian Subcontinent

The Indian subcontinent has seen and continues to see diversity in numerous forms. It is said to have one of the largest geographical, biological, religious, socio-cultural, linguistic and natural diversities in the world. Despite the tugs from various angles, there seems to be an abstract...

Holding Up A Mirror To Nature: Designing A Designer

Nature has evolved with great diversity and vastness of its territories from a simple virus to complex eukaryotes. But, with these complexities it has also left some firing questions and fascinating answers. Despite biology’s variety in complexity and complexity in variety, biochemical machineries of all...

• Chemical Reaction

Balinese Culture With Indian Cuisine

Chai'ba is a restaurant and bar that combines Balinese culture with Indian cuisine. Their variety ranges from kebabs to biryani to salads with paneer and of course vegan and gluten-free options too – simply delish! To top it all off, Chai'ba serves a range of...

Best topics on Diversity

1. What Does Diversity Mean to You: Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Differences

2. European Integration In The 21st Century: Unity In Diversity

3. Unity In Diversity: Feeling Unified With Others

4. Defining What Diversity And Inclusion Mean To Me

5. The Meaning Of Diversity To Me And Society

6. Analysis Of The Gender Diversity Issue In The Judicial System

7. The Diversity, Democracy, and Dissent Politics in India

8. Glory Road: Analysing the Long-Term Effects of Racial Diversity in Basketball

9. The American Orientalism and Its Slow Intervention in the American Culture

10. The Experience of White Privilege in White Like Me

11. White Like Me: Exploring the Other Side of Racism and White Privilege

12. The Negative Perception of People of Color from the Eyes of the White Person

13. Diversity and Social Complexity of Africans Before the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade

14. The Reasons for Attraction of Cultural Relativism

15. The Awareness of Interconnection between Race and Sexuality

• Gender Roles
• Gender Stereotypes
• National Honor Society
• Social Media
• Uncertainty Reduction Theory
• Interpersonal Communication
• First Impression

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From Differences to Strengths: A Guide to Writing about Diversity

As an applicant, writing a persuasive diversity essay can be a daunting task. Sometimes it even seems impossible to begin to condense your experiences and views into one paper on diversity. At the same time, you need to convince the admissions committee that you are unique to the define community. This should be evident in the way you look at things and the life experiences you have behind you. But this is an integral part of the college admissions process that you need to be familiar with. In this article, we will provide you with tips and strategies for creating convincing college essays that will help you stand out from other students.

From brainstorming ideas to generating a powerful montage or narrative structure. We’ll guide you through the college admissions essay writing process. It will represent youth interests and exceptional points of view and highlight your human experience.

Define What a Diversity Essay Is

Colleges are actively seeking a student with a cultural background to create a more inclusive college community. So, such community essays are an important component of the institutional application process. It is an opportunity for an engaged student body to share their experiences and expand perspectives and different backgrounds with the admissions committee. It also allows them to demonstrate how their unique qualities will contribute to the diversity of the learning environment.

Whether it be in a campus community, in the workplace, in a school community, or in a local government. The importance of diversity essay is clear.

Such a diversity and inclusion essay can focus on the author’s cultural, socio-economic classes, or religious heritage. It can also focus on the author’s experience with identities reveal, prejudice about sexual orientation, gender identity, or a problem of treating people differently.

Keep in mind that writing an essay on diversity and inclusion should be done like a unique collaborative enterprise. But if you are intimidated by this process, it is better to use a custom essay paper writing service. It will allow you to make an outstanding opinion about yourself to all the communities with your college essay.

Thinking about this field and sharing experiences in this area is important not only for college admissions but also for personal growth and development. Writing such a paper can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and understanding your community’s network. For example, Duke University seeks just such ambitious people who realize differences and provide other line answers than other students.

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How to Write an Effective Diversity Essay

As we have already mentioned, an effective way how to write a diversity essay is to not only envision multifaceted solutions. It is also a chance to showcase your diverse backgrounds and intellectual heritage. Writing a strong diversity college essay requires unique background and perspectives of individuals across as many identities as possible. You can always order an essay online and get a great result without putting in any effort. Below are some guidelines that will help you write it more effectively and show you how to write a diversity statement.

Importance of Understanding the Prompt

Before you start, read and understand essay prompts carefully. Take the time to analyze the questions carefully and think about how you can demonstrate your strengths. Also, think of examples to emphasize the points. Try to break down your ideas into several elements. You can make notes here to structure your concepts.

Brainstorming Diversity Topics to Write about

When you have a good understanding of the question, you should start to select potential diversity essay topics. Even if you suddenly hear sirens on the street, don’t let anything distract you. Think about how certain events have shaped you as a thoughtful person. This range of themes could include, for example, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity. A prime example is when black students receive ten-day school suspensions for minor infractions. Brainstorming can be a difficult process, as there are many options to choose from. You can also think of times when you faced similar problems in your own life.

Make an Outline

Before you start writing, it is essential to create a diversity essay prompt outline. This is necessary to organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow of information in the paper. A typical outline might include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the main points, you can use specific examples and case studies to illustrate your knowledge and perspective. Sometimes it is difficult for students to navigate this topic, so they often ask professionals to help with coursework . Such a service will help identify the main diverse perspectives you want to cover in each section.

Remember that the intro should grab the reader’s attention and introduce diversity essay prompts. The body paragraphs should contain proofs and specific examples that support your thesis. The conclusion should repeat the key messages of the text. We have prepared an effective outline that you can follow:

I. Introduction

A. Attention-grabbing opening sentence

B. Explanation of the importance of diversity

C. Diversity prompts outlining the main points of the essay

II. Body Paragraphs

A. Background and cultural experiences

B. Challenging experiences related to diversity

C. Impact on personal values and goals

III. Conclusion

A. Summary of main points

B. Reflection on the importance of diversity

C. Final thoughts and call to action

Writing Process of Diverse Student Body

Use descriptive language to create a vivid picture of your experience. Try to avoid cliches and generalizations and focus on being more specific. When writing your paper, remember to use your personal voice and style. Also, try to keep the language active to make the essay more interesting. Create meaningful transitions between paragraphs and make sure your thoughts flow logically from one section to the next.

Revisions and Editing

Pay attention to grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. Also, check for the supplemental essay prompt. Make sure the assignment is presented logically and consistently. Your writing needs to be reconciling disparate lifestyles and be interesting to the reader. When writing such a paper, you need to set aside time at least twice a week. This will help you identify areas that need improvement and ways to make them more influential.

Importance of Reflecting on and Sharing One’s Experiences with Diversity

The most significant challenge when writing a diversity essay is to reflect on your past life and share it with others. It’s not just about telling what you’ve been through but also about reflecting on how your views and values were formed. It helps to get to know different aspects of your personality. In the right way, it can be a powerful tool for promoting unity and tolerance.

Tips on Writing Essay about Diversity

In this section, we will provide some useful tips to help you write a compelling essay on diversity. By following these recommendations, you will not be afraid of a particular challenge.

• It is important to select a concrete essay prompt and approach that resonates with you. For example, reflect on a time when you learned something new about other people and how it influenced your worldview. For example, when it comes to accessibility and inclusion, the white cane inevitably trumps any assumptions. It happens to normal human being with visual impairments. Inclusion includes sexual orientation also.
• To stand out from other applicants, it is very crucial to be genuine in your writing. Necessarily focus on sharing your perspective and unique voice. Also, hearing people’s stories and using them is useful too.
• Promote diversity essay examples and personal stories. This is necessary to illustrate your points and make your essay more interesting and convincing. As an example, you could write an opinion piece about your journey as a first-generation immigrant and how your cultural origins have influenced your values and goals.
• One way to make your essay more impactful is to relate it to your future goals and aspirations. Discuss how certain developments have influenced your career goals or academic achievement. This way, you can show how your past life formed your mindset and aspirations.
• Check for grammar and spelling mistakes and make sure your diversity paper is well organized and coherent.

We hope these useful suggestions will help you with your task. It is better to use a scholarship essay writing service to check the content of your text for quality. This allows you to avoid mistakes and get an impeccable paper. Also, keep to the required word limit. Let’s look at a vivid example of how to put these points into practice.

Writing an effective diversity essay requires a deep understanding of the task. It also requires brainstorming, outlining, writing, revising, and, better perhaps, related to personal stories. It is crucial to remember that an essay is not only about highlighting differences or a few stressful rings. It is also about the lessons learned from these encounters. With the right approach and mindset, an essay can be a powerful tool. It promotes unity, acceptance, and understanding among the university’s existing student body. Reflecting on and sharing experiences with diversity is important not only for college admissions but also for personal gain and development.

What topics to choose?

Choose a topic that resonates with you personally. Avoid general themes and strive to express a personal statement in your essay. Alternatively, you can search for diversity essay sample prompts.

How long should a diversity essay be?

The length of the essay may vary depending on specific instructions or guidelines. It can be used for both graduate programs and elementary school. Usually, the word count to demonstrate personal identity is from 500 to 750 words.

How to make my diversity essay examples more memorable?

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Cultural Diversity Essay: Examples, Topics, &Tips

What did you eat for lunch today? On which holidays do you visit your parents? Which language do you speak? What is your religion? Answers to these questions can say more about what you could think. Culture made you the person you are now. It encompasses the shared beliefs, values, language, and behaviors that one generation inherits from another.

A cultural diversity essay covers the presence of several cultural groups in one society, their interaction, and convergence .

In this article, you will find:

• the meaning of globalization and multicultural society,
• 78 cultural diversity essay topics,
• a dozen of writing tips.

Our two cultural diversity essay examples will illustrate the best way to approach this subject matter.

• 🥗 Cultural Diversity: the Basics

🗽 Cultural Diversity in the US

• 💡 78 Essay Topics
• ✍️ 10 Writing Tips
• Cultural Diversity in Nursing
• Cultural Diversity in Schools

🥗 Cultural Diversity Essay: What Is It About?

During your college life, you will be assigned many tasks on cultural diversity, especially if you study in the US (which is one of the most multicultural countries). They teach you to appreciate that society consists of many ethnic groups. Their interests, needs, and social skills differ. Moreover, their religious beliefs and sexual orientations can vary as well, and you should respect that.

Sociology, cultural studies, psychology, anthropology, and human geography deals with sociology and multiculturalism. You will write a cultural diversity essay for one of these subjects.

A multicultural society requires its members to have the following skills and behaviors:

• respect the differences;
• appreciate what other cultures offer and encourage their contributions;
• acknowledge the importance of various cultural expressions;
• empower ethnic minorities to reveal their maximum potential;
• be critical to one’s own biases and barriers;
• tolerate and celebrate the differences to create unity through diversity.

Cultural Diversity: Key Benefits

• Learning to be open-minded. It teaches us to get rid of stereotypes and understand other people and their backgrounds. Education in a multicultural group gives you an excellent opportunity to learn outside the curriculum.
• Opportunities to grow. It makes you more confident. You are not as afraid to leave your comfort zone as in a monocultural group.
• Getting ready for the future. Most modern companies are multicultural. Studying at a culturally diverse institution prepares you for your future workplace.
• Empathy and tolerance. Interactions with people whose beliefs and life experiences are different train you to “feel” their problems and needs. And although you will never understand what it is like to walk in their shoes, you learn to listen and understand.

Multiculturalism Theories

There are two theories of multiculturalism that describe how different cultures coexist in the same society. Their names are metaphoric .

• The Salad Bowl Theory Salad’s ingredients never merge. Still, their combination creates a single dish with its unique flavor. This theory claims that people of different cultures always retain some of their traditional characteristics. Chinatown and Little India in New York are the best examples of a salad bowl community. According to this theory, people should not reject their cultural heritage to become full-fledged members of the predominant population group. But this opinion has its negative side. Encouraging cultural differences divides the community and leads to discrimination.
• The Melting Pot Theory When iron and carbon are heated in a melting pot, they create a stronger metal. This theory states that cultures will “melt together” and abandon their traditions over time. They assimilate according to the rules of the dominant population. The best example is the life of immigrants in the United States.  This model also has its drawbacks. It disregards the wishes of ethnic minorities and has to be politically enforced. It also reduces diversity. Current globalization is an excellent example of the melting pot theory. Nations lose their traditional lifestyles and heritages to form a new homogenous society.

Kenneth Prewitt, the US Census Bureau senior advisor, once said that “we’re on our way to becoming the first country in history that is literally made up of every part of the world.” Indeed, the US is the most multicultural place on Earth .

But at a deeper level, if there is the first such country, there will be more. The US is a role model for many other nations in organizational practices of cultural identities. Almost everything that becomes a norm here will come to reality elsewhere.

Since the Europeans colonized it several centuries ago, millions of people immigrated and settled in the US. Their cultural backgrounds and ethnicities merged. Being the third-largest country in area and population, America has formed its subcultures. They are geographically distributed among the four regions.

💡 78 Cultural Diversity Essay Topics

We have prepared the most compelling list of topics for a cultural diversity essay of any length and subject. Combine them to generate your own ideas!

• Family changes in American and African cultures.
• How is cultural diversity related to multiculturalism?
• Multicultural vs. citizenship education.
• American culture reflection in sport.
• Why is it important to support ancient traditions?
• What Is cultural pluralism?
• Describe the cultural diversity in your native country.
• Education theories across cultures.
• Cross-cultural management problems.
• Why do we call America “the Land of Opportunity?”
• South Korea: Culture, government, and development.
• How does dialect influence the local culture?
• Popular music in the modern culture.
• Cultural competence in multicultural environment.
• Why is it essential to preserve cultural diversity?
• Canadian political culture.
• Women in politics: Is multiculturalism bad for women?
• The history of multiculturalism in China.
• Anthropology: The culture of the people of the River Front.
• The new ideas I learned from cultural diversity in my college.
• Verbal and non-verbal communication in effective cross-cultural communication.
• Novel professions in culturally diverse societies.
• Culture, globalization, and intercultural adaptation.
• Intercultural communication and staff in tourism.
• What is multicultural awareness?
• Feminism in the hip-hop culture.
• Which theory of multiculturalism do you support?
• Future American cultural, racial, ethnic diversity.
• Differences between the Brazilian and American cultures.
• How many multicultural metaphors do you know?
• Multicultural psychology, its history and importance.
• The concept of cultural diversity and its meanings.
• Intercultural and nonverbal communication challenges.
• The effects of diverse culture on a business in UAE.
•  What is the effect of cultural diversity in schools: An essay.
• Intercultural communication breakdown.
• Teaching culturally and ethnically diverse learners in the science classroom.
• Cultural exception: Culture is not a commercial product.
• Impact of culture on the American family system and structure.
• Multiculturally competent psychotherapy.
• Compare cultural diversity in society to biodiversity in nature.
• Culture, cultural identity and related phenomena.
• Describe the ways of measuring cultural diversity.
• Polygamy in the Muslim culture context.
• Intercultural interactions: Verbal and non-verbal communication challenges.
• Poverty is not cultural diversity.
• Music, media and culture influence on behavior.
• Unethical religious practices: A contribution to cultural diversity?
• Cultural diversity and inclusion in society.
• Culturally and linguistically diverse families.
• How does the mass media ruin the individuality of cultures?
• The challenges of contemporary cultural diversity in criminal justice.
• Why are Western Balkan countries so diverse?
• The Parisian culture: European and Islamic cultures.
• Perspectives and attitudes of multicultural English language teachers>.
• Cultural footprints in my city.
• Building cross cultural competence.
• Does multiculturalism hinder social cohesion?
• Foreignism, media, imperialism influence on culture.
• Different cultural practices in healthcare.
• The distinctive nature of cultural diversity in nursing: An essay.
• Cultural relativism, its strengths and weaknesses.
• How does homogenous culture ensure shared emotions of the population?
• Hip-hop in Japan and cultural globalization.
• James Banks and multicultural education.
• The problem of a sense of belonging in a multicultural group.
• Multiculturalism in forensic psychology practice.
• Can we protect endangered languages?
• Heritage and culture in African American literature.
• Evangelism in a cross-cultural environment.
• Can you see the reality through the eyes of another person?
• Gender differences in communication.
• Does multiculturalism favor gender equality?
• Analysis of cultures: Deaf culture, white culture, and black culture.
• Globalization, multiculturalism, and Muslims.
• Different rites of different cultures: An essay.
• Cross-cultural communication issues.
• Customer relationship in a cross-cultural context.

Haven’t found anything suitable in the list above? Please use our free essay topic generator to get more ideas.

✍️ 10 Writing Tips for an Essay on Different Cultures

• Choose a topic that has an emotional load for you. You are free to use one of the questions above or combine any of them to brainstorm your own topic. The main thing is to make sure that the problem raised there is engaging for you. To check it, ask yourself: would I enjoy discussing the issue with a friend over a cup of coffee? If yes, you’ve made the right choice.
• Take a non-trivial point of view. Everybody argues that cultural diversity is a positive phenomenon. You can hardly invent something new here. Search for its drawbacks! Analyze the American culture as if it is homogenous (surprisingly, you will find traits typical of all Americans).
• Write about things you know well. Do you like Mexican or Japanese cuisine ? Describe cultural diversity in culinary art. Are you interested in philosophical issues? Compare the different worldviews of several cultures.
• Use the available theoretical base. Is America a melting pot or a salad bowl? If you analyze a different country, which metaphor would best describe its multiculturalism? Browse the web for other theories and available research and construct your essay on their bases. It will add reliability to your writing.
• Avoid using too much statistics. An essay should express your opinion on a problem. It is not a compilation of available knowledge on the topic. Make it slightly personal and not too academic.
• Step aside from conflict issues. If your topic does not explicitly require you to argue your opinion about traditional family values in various cultures, it is better to choose another subject.
• Be specific. An essay about cultural diversity in New York City would be more exciting than a paper about multiculturalism in America as a whole. Narrow down your research to add value to your work.
• Don’t shy away from taking sides. Cultural diversity is a relatively new sphere of knowledge. Many of its findings are controversial. In cases where several opinions coexist, be sure to highlight the one you support.
• We need to preserve cultural diversity because it teaches us to accept other people’s differences.
• Cultural diversity is essential in the modern world because without it, we would become the characters of Orwell’s 1984 .
• Use the samples below to understand what you should write.

Sometimes it is better to see how someone else does the work than to read dozens of pages of explanation. The two samples illustrate what is expected from you in a short persuasive or argumentative essay on cultural diversity.

📝 Cultural Diversity Essay Examples

Below you’ll find two short cultural diversity essay examples. Both follow a standard 5-paragraph essay structure. Use them for inspiration and reference!

Cultural Diversity in Nursing Essay

Everybody needs nurses, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. Nurses are just a part of the population that helps other members recover after injuries, operations, and diseases. This essay intends to prove that cultural diversity in nursing is often more critical than bare professionalism.

First, nursing is about trust. The representatives of some cultures may show resistance to care due to their negative experiences with the field. But if such patients see that some of their nurses relate to the same culture, they will develop more trust in their actions.

Second, nursing should heal, not test the validity of patients’ words. Many people of color prefer addressing black physicians. Why so? Because a white doctor might think they are exaggerating their symptoms. Furthermore, black people often have to travel long distances to meet the specialist of their culture because of unpleasant experiences of mistrust they had in the past. But medical assistance is an urgent thing. People should feel free to address the nearest healthcare institution.

Third, culturally competent nurses are more stress-resistant. According to an NIH study, nurses that lack understanding of cultural differences experience frustration when working with culturally different patients more often than their culturally competent colleagues. And a stressed medical worker becomes inefficient and can make the wrong decisions.

In conclusion, I am sure that healthcare managers should intentionally employ caring and competent minority nurses. It would raise the trust for their institutions among patients of all cultures. Lack of cultural diversity in nursing can cost lives, as people seek someone capable of understanding them without judging. Finally, cultural competence in nurses is an enormous asset since the lack of it can cause unnecessary stress and lower their professionalism.

Cultural Diversity in Schools Essay

Teaching diversity prepares students to interact with different cultural and social groups. By doing so, they are expected to become better citizens. But are there any drawbacks of educating cultural diversity in people? This essay analyzes whether cultural awareness is beneficial or not in the classroom and in the long-term perspective.

Schools aim to raise empathy, open-mindedness, and tolerance in their students by teaching them cultural diversity. Indeed, promoting awareness and establishing personal connections with other cultures at school can prevent children from prejudices later in life. It shows them how to empathize with people who are different while they become aware of the problems other cultural groups face daily.

Cultural diversity also gives students a better understanding of themselves. Moreover, it brings them confidence and a feeling of safety. Each of us is different in such or another way. When we live in a multicultural society, we perceive such differences as a norm, not a sin.

Some people point out the downside of cultural diversity in schools: bullying and higher levels of stress. Students may unite in cultural groups and confront each other. But I believe that such confrontations make us stronger. They show that there is also a better option than the opposition.

The learning environment should illustrate cultural inclusion and diversity to all students with all cultural backgrounds. Even the problems that arise out of multiculturalism are temporary and will disappear in some decades. They make us stronger and more attentive to other people.

We hope that now writing a cultural diversity essay will be much easier for you. However, preparing a text in this field might require studying a large number of sources. If you want to do this quickly, try our summarizer . This tool is able to automatically condense any article or paper.

❓ Cultural Diversity FAQ

Cultural diversity, what is it.

Cultural diversity legitimizes cultural differences between different groups of people. It acknowledges the coexistence and interaction of cultures within one geographical area. Knowledge exchange enriches the cultural capital of a country or region. This concept involves contact between languages, ethnic groups, religions, artistic expressions, values, gastronomy, and worldviews.

What Are the Dimensions of Cultural Diversity?

The dimensions are as numerous as human life is. In particular, they comprise: • Religious beliefs and rites • Gender • Race and ethnicity • Education • Mental and physical skills • Sexual orientation • Geographic location and language • Views on warfare

Why Cultural Diversity Matters?

Culture improves the quality of life, concentrates the social experience of many generations, and accumulates knowledge about the world. Peoples are proud of their cultural heritage. They preserve it while trying to integrate it into public life. In such a way, they develop spiritually and open-mindedness.

What Does the Bible Say about Cultural Diversity?

Verse 7:9 of Revelation describes the endless number of people who have trusted in Jesus. They are the representatives of people groups, tribes, nations, and languages. This verse reminds us that all people are necessary for God. Moreover, no ethnicity and race should be deprived of His love (Galatians 3:28).

🔗 References

• Cultural diversity – Unesco
• World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
• multiculturalism | Definition, Impact, Challenges, & Facts
• Multiculturalism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
• Multicultural Education: Definition & Approaches – Study.com
• Rethinking Multiculturalism: Toward a Balanced Approach – jstor
• History of Cultural Diversity in the United States | Study.com

292+ Excellent Diversity Essay Topics To Write About

Sep 26, 2023

Sep 26, 2023 | Topics

Exploring a myriad of compelling subjects, this article delves into a selection of thought-provoking Diversity Essay Topics that resonate with the multifaceted dimensions of contemporary society. From dissecting the significance of cultural diversity to unraveling the complexities of diversity in the workplace, we embark on a journey to understand the profound implications of diversity and inclusion. Alongside shedding light on the importance of diversity training, we offer insights into effectively promoting diversity in various contexts. Whether you’re a student seeking inspiration or a professional aiming to foster inclusivity, these essay topics will provide valuable perspectives on the diverse tapestry of our world.

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 The Definition of Diversity

When discussing diversity, we discuss the many differences that make us unique. It goes beyond our gender or ethnicity; it includes things like our sexual orientation, background, and more. Diversity can be seen in a workplace’s workforce, with people from various cultural groups coming together.

For a company, having a diverse team can be a real asset. It means different perspectives, fresh ideas, and a richer environment overall. This is where diversity training programs come in. They help employees understand and respect these differences, making everyone feel valued and included.

In a multicultural world, acknowledging and appreciating diversity is essential. Human resources departments play a key role in promoting this culture of respect. So, the next time someone mentions diversity, remember it’s about recognizing and celebrating the unique qualities that make us who we are.

💯 Free Workplace Diversity Essay Topic Generator

Imagine having a tool that could effortlessly spark your creativity when writing about gender diversity, workforce diversity, or any diversity-related topic. That’s where a Free Workplace Diversity Essay Topic Generator comes into play. This nifty tool is like your brainstorming buddy, offering many essay prompts to kickstart your writing process.

Whether you’re a student looking for fresh ideas or a professional wanting to explore workforce diversity from a new angle, this generator can be a game-changer. It’s designed to inspire you, making choosing an essay topic a breeze.

No more staring at a blank page, wondering where to begin. With the help of this tool, you can effortlessly discover intriguing essay prompts that pique your interest and align with your goals. So, the next time you’re facing the challenge of finding the perfect diversity-related essay topic, let the Workplace Diversity Essay Topic Generator be your go-to resource for inspiration and guidance.

🥇 Most Interesting Workplace Diversity Topics to Write About

• Gender Pay Gap and Workplace Equity
• LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in Corporate Culture
• Racial Microaggressions and Their Impact
• Neurodiversity in the Workforce
• Cultural Sensitivity Training Effectiveness
• The Role of Women in Leadership Positions
• Disability Accommodations and Inclusion
• Intersectionality and Diversity
• Promoting Age Diversity in Organizations
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
• Diversity and Innovation in Tech Companies
• Bilingualism and Multilingual Workplaces
• Religious Diversity and Workplace Practices
• Indigenous Representation in Corporate Boards
• The Business Case for Diversity
• Diversity in STEM Fields
• Diversity Metrics and Measurement
• Inclusive Recruitment Strategies
• Experiences of LGBTQ+ Employees
• Diversity and Mental Health Support
• LGBTQ+ Rights and Workplace Discrimination
• Diversity in Global Workforces
• Gender-Neutral Restrooms in the Workplace
• Addressing Microinequities at Work
• Diversity and Leadership Development
• Supporting Veterans in the Workplace
• Diversity and Employee Retention
• Diversity and Supply Chain Management
• Bias in Performance Evaluations
• Promoting Socioeconomic Diversity
• Diversity in Healthcare Professions
• LGBTQ+ Parenting Rights at Work
• Cultural Competency Training for Managers
• The Role of AI in Diversity Hiring
• Ethnic Diversity and Corporate Social Responsibility
• Diversity and Corporate Branding
• Inclusive Marketing Strategies
• Employee Feedback on Diversity Initiatives
• Managing Generational Diversity
• Creating Inclusive Company Policies
• Diversity and Unconscious Bias Training
• Gender-Neutral Dress Codes
• Supporting Single Parents in the Workplace
• Diversity in Gig Economy Jobs
• Cultural Celebrations at Work
• Diversity and Environmental Sustainability
• Socioeconomic Status and Wage Equality
• Diversity and Technology Accessibility
• Inclusive Workplace Health Programs
• Future Trends in Workplace Diversity

🏆 Best Workplace Diversity Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

• Fostering Inclusion in a Multicultural Workplace
• Overcoming Gender Stereotypes in the Corporate World
• The Impact of Diversity on Organizational Performance
• Strategies for Promoting LGBTQ+ Diversity at Work
• Navigating Religious Diversity in the Workplace
• The Role of Leadership in Diversity Initiatives
• Addressing Implicit Bias in Hiring and Promotion
• Building a Diverse and Inclusive Company Culture
• Exploring Disability Accommodations in Employment
• Diversity in Entrepreneurship and Startups
• Cultural Diversity and Conflict Resolution in Teams
• The Intersection of Age and Workplace Diversity
• Creating Effective Employee Resource Groups
• Ensuring Equal Pay for Equal Work
• Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Diverse Talent
• Diversity Metrics and Measuring Progress
• Inclusive Recruitment Practices and Case Studies
• The Impact of Ethnic Diversity on Company Performance
• LGBTQ+ Rights and Discrimination at Work
• Implementing Diversity and Inclusion Policies
• The Business Case for Gender Diversity
• Supporting Neurodiversity in the Workplace
• Inclusive Language and Communication in Organizations
• Veterans and Their Transition to Civilian Careers
• Promoting Socioeconomic Diversity in Hiring
• Diversity and Inclusivity in Healthcare Professions
• Technology and Its Role in Diversity Initiatives
• Promoting Diversity through Supplier Diversity Programs
• Unconscious Bias Training and Its Benefits
• Disability Representation in Media and Marketing
• Creating LGBTQ+ Affirming Workplace Policies
• The Role of Allies in Diversity and Inclusion
• Parental Leave Policies and Work-Life Balance
• Diversity and Environmental Sustainability in Business
• Accessibility and Inclusivity in Technology
• Diversity and Mental Health Support at Work
• The Role of Employee Feedback in Diversity Initiatives
• Managing Generational Diversity in Teams
• Inclusive Dress Codes and Workplace Attire
• Supporting Single Parents in the Workforce
• Diversity in the Gig Economy and Freelancing
• Celebrating Cultural Diversity in the Workplace
• Strategies for Addressing Microaggressions
• Diversity and Corporate Social Responsibility
• Inclusive Health and Wellness Programs
• Diversity and Inclusivity in Remote Work Environments

🏆 Best Essay Topics on Workplace Diversity

• The Impact of Workplace Diversity on Employee Morale
• Strategies for Managing Cultural Diversity in Teams
• Gender Diversity in Leadership Positions
• The Role of Diversity in Organizational Innovation
• Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives in Fortune 500 Companies
• Age Diversity and Its Effect on Workplace Dynamics
• Racial Diversity and the Glass Ceiling
• The Intersection of Disability and Workforce Inclusion
• LGBTQ+ Rights and Discrimination in Employment
• Religion and Its Influence on Workplace Policies
• Diversity and Equal Pay for Equal Work
• Socioeconomic Diversity in the Workforce
• Inclusive Recruitment Practices for Diverse Talent
• Diversity Training and Its Impact on Employee Behavior
• Veterans’ Transition to Civilian Careers
• Promoting Neurodiversity in the Workplace
• Cultural Competency in Multinational Corporations
• Supplier Diversity Programs and Their Benefits
• The Business Case for Ethnic Diversity
• Addressing Unconscious Bias in Hiring
• Accessibility and Inclusivity in Technology Companies
• Supporting Mental Health in Diverse Work Environments
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as Catalysts for Change
• Celebrating Multilingualism in Global Organizations
• The Role of Allies in Workplace Diversity
• Balancing Work-Life Integration in Diverse Families
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Diversity and Remote Work
• Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Diversity
• Gender-Neutral Policies and Facilities
• Strategies for Dealing with Microaggressions at Work
• Diverse Perspectives in Corporate Governance
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Diversity Initiatives
• Disabilities and Representation in Media and Advertising
• Inclusive Language and Communication Strategies
• Creating LGBTQ+ Affirming Workplace Cultures
• Diversity in Healthcare Professions and Patient Care
• Inclusivity in Remote Work Environments
• Diversity and Inclusion Metrics and Measurements
• Promoting Diversity through Education and Training
• The Impact of Generational Diversity on Workplaces
• Religion and Corporate Values
• Promoting Socioeconomic Diversity in Tech Companies
• Navigating Diversity and Inclusion in Startups
• The Future of Workplace Diversity and Its Challenges

💡 Simple Workplace Diversity Essay Ideas

• The Benefits of a Diverse Workforce
• The Importance of Inclusive Hiring Practices
• How Diversity Enhances Creativity at Work
• Promoting Respect in Multicultural Teams
• Celebrating Cultural Festivals in the Workplace
• Overcoming Language Barriers in the Office
• Supporting LGBTQ+ Colleagues at Work
• Addressing Age Stereotypes in Employment
• Recognizing and Valuing Different Abilities
• The Impact of Gender Diversity on Company Culture
• Balancing Work-Life Integration
• Strategies for Inclusive Team Building
• Gender-Neutral Restrooms and Inclusivity
• The Role of Allies in Diversity Initiatives
• Nurturing a Diverse Leadership Pipeline
• Accessibility in Digital Workspaces
• Fostering an Inclusive Feedback Culture
• Inclusive Dress Codes and Policies
• Cultural Sensitivity Training for Employees
• Promoting Mental Health Awareness
• The Power of Mentorship in Diverse Workplaces
• Recognizing and Addressing Microaggressions
• Diverse Perspectives in Problem-Solving
• Strategies for Inclusive Remote Work
• Recognizing Religious Holidays in the Office
• Creating Inclusive Marketing Campaigns
• Socioeconomic Diversity and Employee Benefits
• Environmental Sustainability in Diverse Companies
• The Role of Parental Leave Policies
• Inclusive Customer Service Practices
• Diversity and Inclusion in Startups
• Strategies for Inclusive Product Design
• The Impact of Diversity on Employee Loyalty
• Promoting Multilingualism at Work
• Diversity in Small Business Success
• Addressing Unconscious Bias in Recruitment
• Inclusivity in Employee Training Programs
• Disabilities and Representation in Media
• The Influence of Diversity on Company Branding
• Strategies for Diverse Supplier Partnerships
• Inclusive Healthcare Benefits for Employees
• Promoting LGBTQ+ Acceptance in Schools
• Cultural Diversity and Team Conflict Resolution
• Strategies for Inclusive Business Travel
• Diversity in Internship Programs
• Inclusive Office Decor and Layouts
• The Future of Workplace Diversity Initiatives

Cultural Diversity Essay Topics

• The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Organizational Performance
• Cultural Sensitivity Training in the Workplace
• Challenges and Benefits of Multicultural Education
• Cultural Diversity and Cross-Cultural Communication
• The Role of Cultural Competency in Healthcare
• Cultural Diversity in Global Marketing Strategies
• Cultural Influences on Parenting Styles
• The Intersection of Religion and Culture
• Cultural Diversity and Conflict Resolution
• Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation
• Promoting Cultural Diversity in Media Representation
• Cultural Diversity and Its Influence on Food Choices
• The Impact of Cultural Diversity on International Relations
• Cultural Diversity in Urban vs. Rural Communities
• Cultural Diversity and the Preservation of Indigenous Languages
• Cultural Stereotypes in Film and Television
• The Role of Music in Celebrating Cultural Diversity
• Cultural Diversity in Art and Creativity
• The Influence of Culture on Mental Health Stigma
• Cultural Diversity and Environmental Conservation Practices.

Essay Topics on Diversity in the Workplace

• The Business Case for Workplace Diversity
• Strategies for Promoting Gender Diversity in Leadership Roles
• Overcoming Age Discrimination in Hiring Practices
• Fostering an Inclusive Work Environment for People with Disabilities
• The Role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in Promoting Diversity
• Diversity Training Programs and Their Impact on Employee Behavior
• Ethnic Diversity and Its Influence on Company Performance
• Balancing Work-Life Integration in Diverse Teams
• Intersectionality: Navigating Multiple Aspects of Diversity
• Inclusive Recruitment Strategies for Attracting Diverse Talent
• The Impact of Socioeconomic Diversity on Workplace Dynamics
• Religion and Workplace Accommodations
• Strategies for Dealing with Microaggressions in the Office
• Inclusive Dress Codes and Workplace Attire Policies
• The Future of Workplace Diversity Initiatives.

Essay Topics on Gender Diversity and Equality

• Gender Pay Gap: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
• Women in Leadership: Breaking the Glass Ceiling
• Gender Diversity in STEM Fields
• The Role of Education in Promoting Gender Equality
• Gender Stereotypes in Media and Advertising
• Transgender Rights and Workplace Inclusivity
• Parental Leave Policies and Gender Equality
• The Impact of Gender Diversity on Organizational Performance
• Intersectionality: Navigating Multiple Dimensions of Gender Equality
• Gender Equality and Women’s Health
• Promoting Gender Equality in Developing Countries
• Gender Diversity in Corporate Boards
• The Role of Men in Advocating for Gender Equality
• Balancing Work-Life Integration for Gender Equality
• Addressing Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace
• Gender Equality in Sports and Athletics
• The Influence of Gender on Mental Health Stigma
• The Role of Feminism in Promoting Gender Equality
• Gender Equality and Environmental Sustainability.

Diversity Essay Topics for Colleges and Universities

• The Impact of Diversity on Campus Culture
• Promoting Racial Diversity in College Admissions
• LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in Higher Education
• Navigating Religious Diversity in a College Setting
• First-Generation College Students and Their Experiences
• Disability Accommodations and Inclusion in Academia
• Gender Diversity in STEM Programs
• Cultural Sensitivity Training for College Staff
• Diversity in Curriculum: Expanding Perspectives
• Intersectionality in College Activism
• Socioeconomic Diversity on College Campuses
• Supporting International Students and Global Diversity
• Diversity in Student Organizations and Clubs
• Multilingualism and Language Diversity in Academia
• Gender-Neutral Housing Options on College Campuses
• The Role of Diversity in Faculty Recruitment
• Promoting Mental Health Support for Diverse Student Populations
• Diversity and Inclusion in College Athletics
• Campus Initiatives for Environmental and Sustainability Diversity
• Diverse Perspectives in Research and Academic Scholarship.

Relevant Topics on Diversity and Inclusion

• Equity and Inclusion in Education
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
• The Role of Inclusive Leadership
• Intersectionality: Navigating Multiple Dimensions of Identity
• The Impact of Unconscious Bias on Society
• Disability Rights and Inclusivity
• Gender Equality and Inclusion
• LGBTQ+ Rights and Acceptance
• Racial Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives
• Cultural Competency and Cross-Cultural Understanding
• Inclusion in Tech and STEM Fields
• Building Inclusive Communities
• Age Diversity and Inclusive Aging Policies
• Religion and Interfaith Dialogue
• Environmental Justice and Inclusivity
• Accessible Design and Inclusive Spaces
• Diverse Representation in Media and Entertainment
• Inclusive Healthcare Practices
• Inclusivity in Sports and Athletics
• The Future of Diversity and Inclusion Efforts.

Good Topics On The Diverse Student Body And Diversity In The Classroom

• Leveraging Diversity in the Classroom for Enhanced Learning
• Challenges and Benefits of a Diverse Student Body
• Inclusive Teaching Strategies for Diverse Classrooms
• The Role of Cultural Competency in Education
• Addressing Language Diversity in the Classroom
• Nurturing a Welcoming Environment for International Students
• Promoting Racial Equity and Inclusivity in Education
• Supporting LGBTQ+ Students in Diverse Learning Environments
• Neurodiversity and Inclusive Education Practices
• Fostering a Sense of Belonging in a Multicultural Classroom.

What is a good topic for diversity?

A good topic for diversity could be exploring the impact of gender diversity on workplace dynamics or examining the role of cultural diversity in educational settings.

What are diverse topics?

Diverse topics encompass a wide range of subjects that relate to various aspects of diversity, such as gender, ethnicity, age, culture, religion, disability, and more.

How do you introduce diversity in an essay?

To introduce diversity in an essay, you can start by providing a brief overview of the importance of diversity in the context of your topic and its relevance to the broader societal or organizational context.

What are the 4 key areas of diversity?

The four key areas of diversity often include:

• Gender diversity
• Racial and ethnic diversity
• Cultural diversity
• Diversity in terms of age and generational differences.

With a passion for education and student empowerment, I create blog content that speaks directly to the needs and interests of students. From study hacks and productivity tips to career exploration and personal development

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Essay on Diversity

Students are often asked to write an essay on Diversity in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Diversity

Understanding diversity.

Diversity means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.

Importance of Diversity

Diversity is important because it exposes us to unique perspectives and ideas. It fosters creativity and innovation. It helps us understand and respect people who are different from us.

Diversity in Schools

In schools, diversity can create a rich environment for learning. Interacting with students from different backgrounds can help children develop a broad worldview.

Also check:

250 Words Essay on Diversity

Introduction.

Diversity is the beautiful tapestry of distinct identities, perspectives, and experiences that individuals bring to a shared space. It is a multifaceted concept that transcends race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and sexual orientation, encompassing a broad spectrum of individual and group differences.

The Importance of Diversity

Diversity enriches our social interactions and intellectual discourse. It fosters creativity and innovation by bringing together a multitude of perspectives, leading to robust problem-solving and decision-making. It is the catalyst for empathy, understanding, and social cohesion, dismantling barriers and fostering a more inclusive society.

Diversity in Academia

In academic settings, diversity enhances the learning experience by exposing students to different viewpoints, encouraging critical thinking, and preparing them for a globalized workforce. It also promotes social justice by ensuring equal opportunities for all, irrespective of their backgrounds.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite its benefits, diversity presents certain challenges such as prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping. To overcome these, it is essential to cultivate an environment of respect, openness, and inclusivity. Education and awareness programs can play a pivotal role in combating biases and fostering a culture of acceptance.

In conclusion, diversity is a powerful tool that enriches our lives and societies. Embracing it is not merely an ethical imperative but also a necessity for progress and prosperity. As we navigate through the 21st century, let us celebrate diversity in all its forms and strive to create a world where everyone feels valued and included.

500 Words Essay on Diversity

Introduction to diversity.

Diversity, a term frequently used in contemporary discourse, is a multifaceted concept that transcends mere racial or ethnic differences. It encompasses a broad spectrum of individual and group differences, including gender, age, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, education, and more. Understanding and embracing diversity is crucial in our increasingly interconnected and globalized world.

The significance of diversity can be examined from several perspectives. From a sociological viewpoint, diversity fosters cultural competence, empathy, and mutual respect among individuals. It challenges preconceived notions and prejudices, thereby promoting personal growth and development.

In the professional sphere, diversity is instrumental in driving innovation and creativity. Diverse teams bring together a multitude of perspectives, ideas, and experiences, leading to more comprehensive problem-solving and decision-making processes. Moreover, companies that prioritize diversity are more likely to attract and retain top talent, thereby gaining a competitive edge in the market.

Challenges of Diversity

Despite its numerous benefits, diversity is not without its challenges. Misunderstandings and conflicts can arise due to cultural, linguistic, or ideological differences. Moreover, diversity can lead to feelings of discomfort or alienation among individuals who feel they are in the minority.

However, these challenges are not insurmountable. Through education, open dialogue, and proactive policies, we can create environments that not only tolerate diversity but actively celebrate it.

Diversity and Inclusion

Inclusion is the key to unlocking the true potential of diversity. Without inclusion, diversity can become mere tokenism, where differences are merely tolerated rather than embraced. Hence, efforts towards diversity should always be accompanied by a commitment to inclusion.

The Future of Diversity

As our society continues to evolve, so too does our understanding of diversity. In the future, we may need to consider new dimensions of diversity, such as neurodiversity and digital diversity.

In conclusion, diversity is a complex and dynamic concept that holds immense potential for personal, professional, and societal growth. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusion, we can create a more innovative, empathetic, and harmonious society. As we look towards the future, let us continue to broaden our understanding of diversity and deepen our commitment to inclusion.

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Writing A Diversity Essay: Simple Steps To Follow

Today, every university is striving to have a student body that includes individuals from various ethnic or religious backgrounds, socio-economic groups, and even sexual orientation. This is why a diversity essay is becoming extremely necessary. It helps the university understand what sets a student apart and the diverse views they can hold.

What is a Diversity Essay?

When applying to any university, a student is expected to submit a personal essay and some supplemental essays based on the prompts provided. One of them is an essay on diversity.

This is usually a 500–650-word essay that answers the question, “How can I bring diversity to the college?” A diversity essay aims to establish the different issues or ideas that a student truly cares about. It helps humanize the application and also expand the diversity in an educational institution.

Some colleges and universities may not ask for diversity essays specifically. Instead, they provide diversity prompts in the application, which you will have to respond to in your personal statement.

Common Diversity Essay Topics

You can get some of the best diversity essay ideas when reflecting on your own life and upbringing. The best diversity essay topics are as follows:

• Cultural groups
• Ethnicity or race
• Values on diversity on inclusion
• Cultural diversity in your country
• How you can contribute to the diversity
• Your views on diversity
• Sexual orientation
• Socio-economic backgrounds
• Diversity in your neighborhood
• An organization or club that you work with

The primary goal of your essay about diversity is to help the college understand how adding you to the student group will help them create an inclusive environment.

Diversity Essay Example

For as long as I can remember, it has been easy for me to get along with other people, even those who are much different from me. When I was a young child, I was never shy about meeting new people; instead, whenever I met a stranger, I was eager to learn more about them and make a new friend. In fact, my parents would often find themselves apologizing for me because I was asking too many questions. My love for meeting new people was one of the things that initially made me decide to pursue a career in nursing, and I believe that it will also make me a valuable contributor to the university campus. As I meet people from a wide range of backgrounds with highly diverse academic and personal interests, I look forward to getting to know them and recognizing the value of their unique individual backgrounds and ideas. For me, recognizing and appreciating diversity is not an obligation or a burden. Rather, I view living and learning on a diverse campus as an unprecedented opportunity to interact with more interesting people than I ever have before. Because I am entering my university experience with this positive attitude about diversity, I believe I will contribute significantly to a positive learning environment on campus.

I will also personally contribute to improving the experience of the campus as a welcoming and inclusive place to learn through my commitment to engagement both inside and outside the classroom. I plan to approach my courses from the perspective that I can learn from other students by actively participating in class discussions and studying in groups outside of class, and I believe that my clear willingness to work with others will help to promote an inclusive learning atmosphere. I recognize that every individual I encounter in my courses has faced unique challenges, and working closely with them in my nursing courses will help me prepare to work with diverse populations when I become a nurse. Therefore, I will take steps to engage with as many of my classmates as I can, which I believe will support a positive learning experience for all of us.

I am also interest in making the campus a more inclusive place to learn by participating in a diversity-related student organization that promotes inclusion. As a student at the university, there are many options for me to choose from, and I have not yet decided which group to join, but I know that there are a variety of on-campus organizations that celebrate diversity in a way that supports a more inclusive environment. Therefore, by participating in one of these groups, I will be able to add to the positive at the environment at the university where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background. When I join one of these groups, I am particularly interested in inviting more diverse speakers to campus, which will further demonstrate that the campus is an open and welcoming learning environment.

Overall, both my attitude and my activities will make me a positive contributor to the university atmosphere. I would love to have the opportunity to add to the diversity on campus as a student in the future.

What Colleges Look For

If you go through any cultural diversity essay samples, you will notice some common features. Every college that asks for a diversity essay looks for certain qualities in a student that these features highlight. These includes:

• Authenticity: If you are writing a how will you contribute to diversity sample essay, make sure that you are honest in your views and opinions. If you exaggerate, the admissions committee will see right through it. The goal is not to appear more impressive. It is to present a real understanding of diversity, be it your own or that of fellow students.
• Highlight how you are different: Your personal story is one of the best diversity topics to write about. Narrating personal experiences tells the university more about you as an individual. It is also an insight into personal values and your history. The idea is to stand out positively.

Four Simple Tips for a Great Diversity Essay

• Highlight Your Unique Story

Diversity is not restricted to religion, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or sexual orientation. You can write how you can contribute to diversity essay by talking about unique perspectives and values, family background, life experiences, personality traits and interests, hobbies, or talents.

For example: “Hailing from a family of war veterans, I have learned to….”, or, “Through my journey as a dancer, I have had the opportunity to interact with individuals from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds…”

• Share anecdotes from your life

There is nothing more personal and engaging than an anecdote. These anecdotes work best when placed right at the beginning of your essay. For instance, in continuation with the examples mentioned above:

Examples: “Hailing from a family of war veterans, I have learned to be very sensitive to the needs of people around me. As a child, I remember how my father used to instantly understand if anyone in our household staff was having a rough day and was quick to respond to it.” “Through my journey as a dancer, I have had the opportunity to interact with individuals from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. I remember the first time I was backstage at an international show when I interacted with people outside my country. I was fascinated by how diverse we were, and yet, so similar…’

As you would see in most college essays on diversity, the best way to appeal to any reader is to share as many real-life stories and personal anecdotes as possible. This shows the reader that you have lived through the experience, making you a more authentic candidate.

• Talk about how these experiences have molded your values

If you need more assistance with interesting, high-quality diversity essays, you can get in touch with a professional. We provide all the essay writing help you need to improve your chances of getting admission into your chosen university.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Social Justice — Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: A Better Society

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: a Better Society

• Categories: Inclusivity Social Justice

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Journal Buddies Jill | September 15, 2023 September 6, 2023 | Special Writing Topics

20 Excellent Diversity Topics to Write About

Diversity Topics to Write About + 12 Bonus Diversity Essay Topics— Great strides have been made in the past several years to increase awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion. Of course, it’s true that every person is different, and beautiful in their own way. Yes!

Diversity and inclusion initiatives aim to highlight the contributions of all people in society while simultaneously providing a voice to those who have been historically under-represented. 

Diversity and inclusion topics for journals and essays can help you explore the role that diversity plays in your own life, and the work that can be done to improve inclusion in our world.

Best of all, through our writing, we can become more in tune to the perspectives of others, and also recognize the importance of cultural diversity. 

Ok, get to it and…

Use these diversity essay topics to promote diversity and expel stereotypes in the classroom and beyond. I think you’ll be glad you did.

20 Diversity Topics to Write About

• Define discrimination and explain when you have witnessed or experienced discrimination. Do you feel that students at school are discriminated against? How? What can be done about this?
• Think about someone that you know personally who is different from you. Perhaps they are a different gender, or they come from a different economic background. Now, write a story detailing what a day in their life might be like — but write from their perspective.
• Equity in the classroom is a priority among educational experts. Do you feel that your school offers an equitable experience for all students? Why or why not?
• Why do you feel it is important to have a diverse workforce? Write an opinion essay about this topic.
• Write down three ways you can promote diversity in your own life.
• What is the difference between racism and unconscious biases? Define both in your essay, and explain why it may be important to distinguish between the two.
• Consider a time when you possibly rushed to judgments about another group of people. Why do you think you felt that way? What experience did you have to dispel those judgments? What would you do differently now?
• Think about how a person’s sexual orientation can impact their time at school. What can you do to be an ally to the LGBTQ community?
• What is your ethnicity? Describe how your ethnicity has played a role in your upbringing and your worldview.

• Imagine that you are developing a diversity training program for your school. How would you approach this program? What topics would you include? What results would you like to see from this diversity training program?
• Define the difference between an individual’s biological sex and their gender identity. In your opinion, why is it important to be aware of the difference between the two?
• Racism can run rampant on social media. Write about a time you witnessed racism on a social platform. How did it make you feel? What did you do about it?
• Imagine that you just found out you made the soccer team at school. When you arrive at the first practice, you realize that your team members all the same race. You are the only person who is different from them. How would you feel in this situation?
• Think about the playground equipment at your elementary school. Was this a place where students with disabilities could play as well? Explain why or why not, and write about how accessibility could be improved on that playground.
• As young people begin to understand their gender identity and sexual orientation, they may become confused or concerned, worrying about what others might think. Write an essay about what schools can do to raise aware about gender diversity and also support gender-diverse students.
• Books can be valuable resources for understanding diverse perspectives. Think about the last book that you read. Was the cast of characters diverse? How did the background of each character impact the story?
• Do you and your friends have a safe space where you feel you can be yourselves? If so, where? If not, what would you be looking for out of a safe space?
• Do you think it’s important to showcase diverse talent in movies, theater productions, musical performances and more? Explain your answer in essay format.
• By understanding the perspectives of others, we can broaden our world view and increase our empathy toward others. Write about a time that you learned something from a peer whose background was different from your own.

I hope you enjoyed this list of inclusion and diversity topics to write about.

123 More Related (and Free) Writing Prompts

• 33 Gender Equality Journaling Prompts
• 50 Great Essay Topics for High School Students
• 40 Great Journal Topics For College Students

And now…

12 Diversity Essay Topics for Student Writers

Diversity is a hot topic in today’s society, and colleges and universities are increasingly looking for students who can contribute to a diverse campus community. If you’re applying to college, you may be asked to write an essay about diversity. This essay can be a great opportunity to share your unique perspective and experiences, and to show how you can add value to a diverse campus.

Here are some ideas for diversity essay topics:

• Your cultural background: Where are you from? What is your cultural heritage? How has your culture shaped your identity?
• Your family background: What is your family like? What values have they instilled in you? How has your family background shaped your perspective on the world?
• Your experiences with diversity: Have you ever had any experiences with diversity, either positive or negative? How have these experiences shaped your understanding of the world?
• Your beliefs and values: What are your beliefs and values? How do they relate to diversity?

And some more diversity essay topics are…

• How has your cultural background shaped your identity?
• What are the most important factors to embracing diversity and inclusion in your school community, school learning environment, higher education setting or elsewhere?
• What are the challenges and benefits of attending a diverse school/university/college?
• How can we create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all?
• How can we promote multiculturalism in our schools/country/workplaces?
• How has your cultural group influenced your life experiences and shaped your beliefs?
• How do cultural differences affect what i means to live a healthy lifestyle?

I hope you enjoyed this list of diversity essay prompts and diversity prompt ideas for you to write about.

When writing your diversity essay, it’s important to be honest and authentic. Share your own personal experiences and perspectives, and let your voice shine through. The admissions committee wants to get to know you, so don’t be afraid to let them see the real you.

4 Tips for Writing a Successful Diversity Essay

• Choose a topic that is meaningful to you. The best essays are the ones that come from the heart. Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that you can write about honestly.
• Be specific. Don’t just tell the admissions committee that you are a diverse person. Show them by sharing specific examples from your life.
• Be clear and concise. Admissions officers are busy people, so they don’t have time to read long, rambling essays. Get to the point quickly and clearly.
• Proofread carefully. Make sure your essay is free of errors in grammar and spelling.

4 Additional Tips for Writing an Essay on Cultural Differences

• Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the different cultures that you are writing about.
• Be respectful. Avoid making generalizations or stereotypes.
• Focus on the positive. Highlight the ways in which cultural differences can enrich our lives.
• Be open-minded. Be willing to learn from others and to see things from their perspective.

I hope these tips help.

And now for…

A Few Closing Thoughts on Diversity Topics to Write About

Writing is one of the most effective ways for a person to explore their own identity while also learning about other cultures and perspectives.

Wonderfully…

These diversity and inclusion topics allow students to dive into their own experiences, or to become more aware of behavior that has impacted others.

Through diversity essay topics, both you and your students can discover that our strength lies in our differences. All voices deserve to be heard and celebrated, and all voices should keep on writing!

Until next time…

If you enjoyed these  Diversity Topics to Write About , please share them on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. I appreciate it!

Sincerely, Jill journalbuddies.com creator and curator

PS Check out this resource –> What is Cultural Diversity and Why Does it Matter

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Diversity - Free Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Diversity refers to the presence and recognition of individual differences within a particular setting, often encompassing differences in race, gender, ethnicity, age, ability, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. Essays on diversity could explore the benefits and challenges of diversity in various contexts like education, workplace, or community, the policies and practices promoting diversity and inclusion, or the societal attitudes and biases affecting diversity. They might also delve into the intersections of diversity with equity, representation, and social justice, or the personal narratives and experiences reflecting the impact of diversity on individual and collective identities. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about Diversity you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Deep Level Diversity at Work

  Definition:  Deep level diversity - is where people feel they separate from members of a work group. Somewhat that which differ in personality, values or a Also it includes differences in morals, religious beliefs, and characteristics/personality, is more specific to how a person behaves. The differences that a person has developed through education. This type of diversity is on a more analytical level and can be influenced by our surface-level diversity experiences. Deep-level diversity may be harder to change […]

Diversity in Psychology: Absence of Gender Equality, Cultural Diversity and Inclusion in Psychology

As a field that explores human experiences, psychology has been pushing to include diversity in its education, research and services. The discipline has been ensuring to include multicultural approach and diversity while emphasizing topics such as individual and cultural differences (Gallor, 2017). As of recent, psychology has been focusing on integrating social justice in its field, specifically academically and in training future professionals. Psychology textbooks and courses lack the of coverage of race, racism, and other forms of oppression, however, […]

How i was Born into a Diverse Family

I was raised by an Italian mother and father as well as a stepfather who was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Having both Italian and Puerto Rican parents has allowed me to grow up learning about two very different cultures, languages, and traditions. The Italian within me has been built upon the work of two families that traveled from Milan in the north and Sicily in the south, joining in Chicago, and encouraging their Children to work their hardest […]

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Different Dimensions of Diversity

The issue of diversity has always raised debates. Diversity means different things to different people. In a study of 180 Spanish corporate managers, explored perceptions of diversity and found that depending on who is answering, diversity usually means one of three things: demographic diversity (our gender, race, sexual orientation, and so on), experiential diversity (our affinities, hobbies, and abilities), and cognitive diversity (how we approach problems and think about things). All three types shape identity — or rather, identities (Aragón, […]

Cultural Diversity Intolerance

Cultural diversity intolerance comes about whenever a given cultural grouping or a tribe of people seems to value their ways of life at the expense of any other individual in existence. This shouldn't be the case because all these values of societies are purely imaginary and none is 100% correct and so to be accepted everywhere in the world. Some of the catalysts of cultural diversity intolerance include issues such as color of the skin, competition for resources like land […]

Nursing Education has Become a very Diverse Community

Introduction In order for all those who attend to be successful, it is the duty of the educator to provide an experience that is welcoming and sensitive to all cultures, races, ethnicities, and genders. To do this, educators need to be willing to provide multimodal methods of teaching, whether it be through mind mapping, game based learning, or case studies, the use of several different learning styles must be used to reach all different students. The diversity of the students […]

Diversity at General Motors Managing Diversity

Diversity at General Motors: Managing Diversity General Motors Company, or General Motors (GM), is a major American car manufacturer whose headquarters is located in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1908, General Motors is one of America's oldest and well-known car manufacturers. Today, GM is known for manufacturing many popular American vehicles such as, Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac. Being such a prominent American corporation, many factors need to be considered for productive and effective management and delivery. Diversity plays a considerable role […]

The Family: Diversity, Equality and Social Change by Philip Cohen

The family unit consists of a great variety of different structures and different identities. It is common for one to view families as sharing the same values, goals and identities. When it comes to following the family tradition and norm, people within the family can be seen walking down a totally different path. In the book The Family: Diversity, Equality and Social Change, by Philip Cohen, in chapters 4, 5 and 6, the author analyzes families that include class identity, […]

My Story of a Diverse Student Life

Coming from a small city in a country located in the Middle East, becoming an independent and self-reliant woman was an ideal image for me throughout my childhood and adolescences. Although pursuing a high education as always was encouraged by my parents and family, it was not always an easy choice due to socioeconomic insufficiency. Pursuing a brighter future did not come without hard work and determination which lead me to obtain an undergraduate and a post-graduate degree. I had […]

New People, Foreign Land, and Cultural Diversity

Franklin Roosevelt once said, "Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists." From a young age, we are taught that the people who founded this land were from Europe, yet we are often not aware that they, too, were immigrants. Each year, millions of foreign-born people undertake the lengthy process of becoming U.S. citizens. Immigration can be a long-awaited yet challenging process that, at times, may lower or dehumanize a […]

Cultural Diversity and the Back Born of the American History

Cultural diversity highlights how unique and important everyone is, regardless of where they come from. Different cultures do not mean better or worse, just different. We need to embrace cultural diversity in all spheres of life in order to peacefully coexist in love and unity. Just like every country, America has a popular culture, sports, and national holidays. America is incredibly diverse with people from all over the world. Many Americans come from different cultural backgrounds, and that's part of […]

Qualities Leaders Need to Consider and Use Cultural Differences in the Interests of their Organizations

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Cultural diversity in the areas of work is essential since it mirrors the differences of people at the level of society (Anjorini and Jansari, 2018). The numerous cultural differences that can be observed at the workplace include religion, age, gender, social status, and sexual orientation. To start with, different people hold different spiritual views and practice different morals and behaviors that relate to spiritual elements. Also, individuals at the workplace are diverse in their ages with some coming from different […]

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I believe that diversity can refer to many aspects of our lives including personal interactions, teaching situations, socio-economic differences, acceptance (beyond tolerance) of groups or individuals with differing backgrounds, beliefs, nationalities, and gender. I practice approaching every mentoring situation with an open mind and availability to hear not only what the student is saying, but also what I am saying to the students. I carefully choose my words in an attempt to convey meaning without inadvertently stumbling over a diversity […]

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In “quilt of a country” Anna Quindlen argues people can coexist by learning to accept diversity and appreciate our differences. An example of this is when a historian named Daniel Boorstin wrote “ of all the nations in the world, the United States was built in. Nobody's image”. This illustrates how the world as we know it, has nobody put first or is made and dedicated to one person, instead we have multiple people doing great things in our society. […]

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The concept of diversity among various groups emerges from culture, nationality, gender, ideologies, and even political stands. Realizing the deep connection of the issues that trend at international institutions involves examining the way people interact and how they treat the occurrence of scenarios within the environment. Issues of unrest on college campuses have emerged from time to time on the basis of differing religious opinions, cultural diversity, race, gender stereotypes, and other factors that contribute to conflicting issues. The reality […]

He who is Different from me does not Impoverish me – he Enriches me

Diversity in our world is a basic characteristics of human civilization, and also the key condition for a lively and dynamic society as we see today.” There are currently over 7.7 billion people living on this planet. A planet full of diversity anywhere we turn. Humanity has found out a way to categorize so many different cultures, religions, languages, values and beliefs. Each population has proudly inherited its own traditions and identical uniqueness. Cultural identity and communication have been determined […]

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The Vietnam War was a war of great controversy. The Vietnam War has the longest U.S. combat force participation to date, 17.4 years. This is closely followed by efforts in Afghanistan. U.S. combat force participation in Afghanistan is 17 years and continuing. The Vietnam War was a fatal one for U.S. armed forces. There are 58,220 total recorded military deaths from the war as of 2008 from the Defense Casualty Analysis System (U.S. Military Fatal Casualty Statistics, n.d.). Although the […]

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In the present workforce of today’s society, diversity represents the range of human differences,including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs. Age diversity is defined as the ability of an organization to accept people from various age categories within the organization’s business environment. The ability to manage both the age group of people and merge them in a single working environment is […]

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Introduction: Southern Company is an energy holding company that produces and sells electricity through various southern power subsidiaries. It's headquarters is located in Atlanta, GA and the company has been a part of the Fortune 500 list for 24 years. It's current rank is 126, up 19 spots from its ranking in 2017. The CEO is Thomas A. Fanning and he is in charge of 31,344 employees. Southern Company operates 11 regulated utilities serving an estimated 9 million people in […]

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Diversity is the understanding that everyone is different and unique, recognizing our individual differences. Differences include sex, gender, sexuality, race, age etc. During this course during week two we received readings about diversity. Two of the readings I’m going to connect to this paper are the ones about Putnam and Abascal.  In the article Political Scientists: Does Diversity Really work? The writer interviews Robert Putnam and his discoveries. He, Putnam said “The more diverse the group around us, ethically, in […]

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Alright, listen up, pals! We're plunging headfirst into a subject that's like a treasure chest of differences, a puzzle with pieces that are all sorts of shapes and sizes. Yup, you got it – we're talking about “Diversity and Inclusion,” the real deal that makes our world pop with color and flavor. The Scoop on Diversity So, what's this diversity thing, you ask? Well, imagine you're at a grand potluck feast. Every dish's its own special zing – just like […]

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Therefore, the workplace itself is constantly having to adapt to our society. This means the workplace has to constantly be working on new ways to improve their business. These changes need to be made internally as well as externally. These changes are vital in the survival of the business. Diversity is one of the most well- known new factors of business that still hasn’t been fully explored. After getting a better understanding of diversity, it will be clear to see […]

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Introduction The modern classroom is a microcosm of our heterogeneous world, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and talents. Accepting and embracing this variety in the classroom is crucial for creating a dynamic learning environment that encourages student growth, understanding, and empathy. This essay will explore the value of diversity in the classroom, examining its challenges and benefits in educating students for the future. Recognizing the Importance of Diversity Cultural variety in the classroom encompasses age, ethnicity, social class, […]

Gender and Diversity

For the first article Pride and Prejudice: Employment Discrimination against Openly Gay Men in the United States by András Tilcsik, is one of the first large studies to study the discrimination against openly gay men in the U.S. They talked about stereotyping and hiring discrimination with gay men and what they must go through. They noted that employers who were looking for applicants with stereotypical male heterosexual traits were more likely to discriminate against gay applicants than employers who do […]

Diversity as the Value for Every Person

According to the text, diversity can be defined as the value for every person, the inclusion of every individual towards ensuring that everyone performs at their best standard or level (Gamble, & Gamble, 2012). Acknowledgement that people come from different traditions, possessing various points of views and personal experiences, consequently need to celebrate each person distinctiveness. One of the major diversity trends as a result of multiculturalism is the increased number of the minority workforce today is composed of a […]

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Writing essays about diversity and inclusion requires a unique approach. If you're looking for essay examples on diversity, look no further, as our experts have picked the finest options for you. Samples on diversity essay topics can provide a helpful guide to the writing process. You’ll be able to identify common mistakes, grammar errors, and other pitfalls to avoid when crafting your own essays.

To write effective papers on this topic, it's crucial to adopt a sensitive and empathetic approach toward the subject. This subject encompasses many aspects of human experience, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, and more. The sample topics for research papers on the issue that you can explore are numerous. By taking the time to indulge in them, you can start thinking differently and write more thoughtfully and effectively about diversity.

To write a successful essay, you should create an outline with an introduction, body, and conclusion. However, always remember to approach the topic with care and respect. Same as with other types of papers, the introductory part should grab the reader's attention and provide background information. The body should provide evidence to support your thesis statement, and the conclusive part should summarize your main points and restate your thesis.

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Diversity In The Workplace - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

Diversity in the workplace refers to the differences in age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and other personal characteristics among employees. It can bring a myriad of valuable benefits including increased creativity, productivity, and innovation. However, it can also present challenges in terms of communication, conflicts, and bias. Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace requires a commitment to equity and respect for all individuals, along with policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion. Employers who value and support diversity can enhance the overall success and wellbeing of both employees and the organization.

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• Factors That Influence Communication
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The University of Chicago The Law School

College essays and diversity in the post-affirmative action era, sonja starr’s latest research adds data, legal analysis to discussion about race in college admissions essays.

Editor’s Note: This story is part of an occasional series on research projects currently in the works at the Law School.

The Supreme Court’s decision in June 2023 to bar the use of affirmative action in college admissions raised many questions. One of the most significant is whether universities should consider applicants’ discussion of race in essays. The Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. Harvard did not require entirely race-blind admissions. Rather, the Court explicitly stated that admissions offices may weigh what students say about how race affected their lives. Yet the Court also warned that this practice may not be used to circumvent the bar on affirmative action.

Many university leaders made statements after SFFA suggesting that they take this passage seriously, and that it potentially points to a strategy for preserving diversity. But it’s not obvious how lower courts will distinguish between consideration of “race-related experience” and consideration of “race qua race.” Sonja Starr, Julius Kreeger Professor of Law & Criminology at the Law School, was intrigued by the implication of that question, calling the key passage of the Court’s opinion the “essay carveout.”

“Where is the line?” she wrote in a forthcoming article, the first of its kind to discuss this issue in depth in the post- SFFA era. “And what other potential legal pitfalls could universities encounter in evaluating essays about race?”

To inform her paper’s legal analysis, Starr conducted empirical analyses of how universities and students have included race in essays, both before and after the Court’s decision. She concluded that large numbers of applicants wrote about race, and that college essay prompts encouraged them to do so, even before SFFA .

Some thought the essay carveout made no sense. Justice Sonia Sotomayor called it “an attempt to put lipstick on a pig” in her dissent. Starr, however, disagrees. She argues that universities are on sound legal footing relying on the essay carveout, so long as they consider race-related experience in an individualized way. In her article, Starr points out reasons the essay carveout makes sense in the context of the Court’s other arguments. However, she points to the potential for future challenges—on both equal protection and First Amendment grounds—and discusses how colleges can survive them.

What the Empirical Research Showed

After SFFA , media outlets suggested that universities would add questions about race or identity in their admissions essays and that students would increasingly focus on that topic. Starr decided to investigate this speculation. She commissioned a professional survey group to recruit a nationally representative sample of recent college applicants. The firm queried 881 people about their essay content, about half of whom applied in 2022-23, before SFFA , and half of whom submitted in 2023-24.

The survey found that more than 60 percent of students in non-white groups wrote about race in at least some of their essays, as did about half of white applicants. But contrary to what the media suggested, there were no substantial changes between the pre-and post- SFFA application cycles.

Starr also reviewed essay prompts that 65 top schools have used over the last four years. She found that diversity and identity questions—as well as questions about overcoming adversity, which, for example, provide opportunities for students to discuss discrimination that they have faced—are common and have increased in frequency both before and after SFFA.

A Personally Inspired Interest

Although Starr has long written about equal protection issues, until about two years ago, she would have characterized educational admissions as a bit outside her wheelhouse. Her research has mostly focused on the criminal justice system, though race is often at the heart of it. In the past, for example, she has assessed the role of race in sentencing, the constitutionality of algorithmic risk assessment instruments in criminal justice, as well as policies to expand employment options for people with criminal records.

But a legal battle around admissions policies at Fairfax County’s Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology—the high school that Starr attended—caught her attention. Starr followed the case closely and predicted that “litigation may soon be an ever-present threat for race-conscious policymaking” in a 2024 Stanford Law Review article on that and other magnet school cases.

“I got really interested in that case partly because of the personal connection,” she said. “But I ended up writing about it as an academic matter, and that got me entrenched in this world of educational admissions questions and their related implications for other areas of equal protection law.”

Implications in Education and Beyond

Starr’s forthcoming paper argues that the essay carveout provides a way for colleges to maintain diversity and stay on the right side of the Court’s decision.

“I believe there’s quite a bit of space that’s open for colleges to pursue in this area without crossing that line,” she said. “I lay out the arguments that colleges can put forth.”

Nevertheless, Starr expects future litigation targeting the essay carveout.

“I think we could see cases filed as soon as this year when the admissions numbers come out,” she said, pointing out that conservative legal organizations, such as the Pacific Legal Foundation, have warned that they’re going to be keeping a close eye on admissions numbers and looking for ways that schools are circumventing SFFA .

Starr envisions her paper being used as a resource for schools that want to obey the law while also maintaining diversity. “The preservation of diversity is not a red flag that something unconstitutional is happening,” she said. “There are lots of perfectly permissible ways that we can expect diversity to be maintained in this post- affirmative action era.”

Starr’s article, “Admissions Essays after SFFA ,” is slated to be published in Indiana Law Journal in early 2025.

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How to Write a College Diversity Essay – Examples & Tips

What is a diversity essay for college?

If you are preparing for your college application, you have probably heard that you sometimes need to submit a “diversity essay,” and you might be wondering how this is different from the usual admission essay. A diversity essay is a college admissions essay that focuses on the applicant’s background, identity, culture, beliefs, or relationship with a specific community, on what makes an applicant unique, and on how they might bring a fresh perspective or new insights to a school’s student body. Colleges let applicants write such essays to ensure diversity in their campus communities, to improve everyone’s learning experience, or to determine who might be eligible for scholarships that are offered to students from generally underrepresented backgrounds. 

Some colleges list the essay as one of their main requirements to apply, while others give you the option to add it to your application if you wish to do so. At other schools, it is simply your “personal statement”—but the prompts you are given can make it an essay on the topic of diversity in your life and how that has shaped who you are.

To write a diversity essay, you need to think about what makes you uniquely you: What significant experiences have you made, because of your background, that might separate you from other applicants? Sometimes that is obvious, but sometimes it is easy to assume our experiences are normal just because we are part of a community that shares the same circumstances, beliefs, or experiences. But if you look at your life from the perspective of someone who is not part of that community, such as an admissions officer, they can suddenly be not-so-common and help you stand out from the crowd.

Diversity Essay Examples and Topics

Diversity essays come in all shapes and formats, but what they need to do is highlight an important aspect of your identity, background, culture, viewpoints, beliefs, goals, etc. You could, for example, write about one of the following topics:

• Your home country/hometown
• Your cultural/immigration background
• Your race/ethnicity
• Your unique family circumstances
• Your religion/belief system
• Your socioeconomic background
• Your disability
• Your sex/gender
• Your sexual orientation
• Your gender identity
• Your values/opinions
• Your experiences
• Your extracurricular activities related to diversity

In the following, we ask some general questions to make you start reflecting on what diversity might mean for you and your life, and we present you with excerpts from several successful diversity-related application essays that will give you an idea about the range of topics you can write about.

How does diversity make you who you are as a person or student?

We usually want to fit in, especially when we are young, and you might not even realize that you and your life experiences could add to the diversity of a student campus. You might think that you are just like everyone around you. Or you might think that your background is nothing to brag about and are not really comfortable showcasing it. But looking at you and your life from the point of view of someone who is not part of your community, your background, culture, or family situation might actually be unique and interesting. 

What makes admission committees see the unique and interesting in your life is an authentic story, maybe even a bit vulnerable, about your lived experiences and the lessons you learned from them that other people who lived other lifes did not have the chance to learn. Don’t try to explain how you are different from others or how you have been more privileged or less fortunate than others—let your story do that. Keep the focus on yourself, your actions, thoughts, and feelings, and allow the reader a glimpse into your culture, upbringing, or community that gives them some intriguing insights. 

Have a look at the excerpt below from a diversity essay that got an applicant into Cornell University . This is just the introduction, but there is probably no admissions officer who would not want to keep reading after such a fascinating entry. 

He’s in my arms, the newest addition to the family. I’m too overwhelmed. “That’s why I wanted you to go to Bishop Loughlin,” she says, preparing baby bottles. “But ma, I chose Tech because I wanted to be challenged.” “Well, you’re going to have to deal with it,” she replies, adding, “Your aunt watched you when she was in high school.” “But ma, there are three of them. It’s hard!” Returning home from a summer program that cemented intellectual and social independence to find a new baby was not exactly thrilling. Add him to the toddler and seven-year-old sister I have and there’s no wonder why I sing songs from Blue’s Clues and The Backyardigans instead of sane seventeen-year-old activities. It’s never been simple; as a female and the oldest, I’m to significantly rear the children and clean up the shabby apartment before an ounce of pseudo freedom reaches my hands. If I can manage to get my toddler brother onto the city bus and take him home from daycare without snot on my shoulder, and if I can manage to take off his coat and sneakers without demonic screaming for no apparent reason, then it’s a good day. Only, waking up at three in the morning to work, the only free time I have, is not my cup of Starbucks.  Excerpt from “All Worth It”, Anonymous, published in 50 Successful IVY LEAGUE Application Essays Fourth Edition, Gen & Kelly Tanabe, SuperCollege, 2017 .

How has your identity or background affected your life?

On top of sharing a relevant personal story, you also need to make sure that your essay illustrates how your lived experience has influenced your perspective, your life choices, or your goals. If you can explain how your background or experience led you to apply to the school you want to submit the essay to, and why you would be a great fit for that school, even better. 

You don’t need to fit all of that into one short essay, though. Just make sure to end your essay with some conclusions about the things your life has taught you that will give the admissions committee a better idea of who you now are—like the author of the following (winning) admissions essay submitted to MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) .

[…] I always thought that I had it the worst out of all my family members because I was never allowed to get anything lower than what my brother or a cousin had gotten in a class. My parents figured if they could do it, so could I, and if not on my own then with a little of their help. It was not until recently that I realized the truth in this. In my short life I have seen my father go from speaking no English to excelling in it. I have heard countless stories about migrant farmers such as Cesar Chavez and my grandfather who had nearly nothing, yet persisted and succeeded. […] When I had trouble speaking Spanish and felt like abandoning my native tongue, I remembered my mother and how when she came to the United States she was forced to wash her mouth out with soap and endure beatings with a ruler by the nuns at her school for speaking it. When I couldn’t figure out tangents, sines, and cosines I thought about my father and how it took him nearly a year to learn long division because he was forced to teach it to himself after dropping out and starting to work in the 4th grade. […] All these people, just from my family, have been strong role models for me. I feel that being labeled “underprivileged” does not mean that I am limited in what I can do. There is no reason for me to fail or give up, and like my parents and grandparents have done, I’ve been able to pull through a great deal. My environment has made me determined, hard working, and high aiming. I would not like it any other way. From “Lessons From the Immigration Spectrum”, Anonymous, MIT, published in 50 Successful IVY LEAGUE Application Essays Fourth Edition, Gen & Kelly Tanabe, SuperCollege, 2017 .

How will your diversity contribute to the college campus and community?

The admissions committee would like to know how your identity or background will enrich the university’s existing student body. If you haven’t done so, researching the university’s organizations and groups and what specific courses the university offers might be a good idea. If you are applying to a large public school, you could mention that you are looking forward to broadening not just your horizon but also your community. Or maybe your college of choice has a specialized program or student organization that you feel you will fit right into and that you could contribute to with your unique background.

Tailoring your answer to the university you are applying to shows that you are serious and have done your research, and a university is obviously looking for such students. If you can’t find a way to make your essay “match” the university, then don’t despair—showing the admissions committee that you are someone who already made some important experiences, has reflected on them, and is eager to learn more and contribute to their community is often all that is needed. But you also don’t need to search for the most sophisticated outro or conclusion, as the following excerpt shows, from an admission essay written by an applicant named Angelica, who was accepted into the University of Chicago . Sometimes a simple conviction is convincing enough. 

[…] The knowledge that I have gained from these three schools is something I will take with me far beyond college. My roommate, across-the-hall mates, and classmates have influenced my life as much as I hope to have impacted theirs. It is evident to me that they have helped me develop into the very much visible person I am today. I have learned to step outside of my comfort zone, and I have learned that diversity is so much more than the tint of our skin. My small mustard-colored school taught me that opportunity and success only requires desire. I would be an asset to your college because as I continue on my journey to success, I will take advantage of every opportunity that is available to me and make sure to contribute as much as I can, too. Now I am visible. Now I am visible. Now I am visible, and I want to be seen. From “No Longer Invisible” by Angelica, University of Chicago, published in 50 Successful IVY LEAGUE Application Essays Fourth Edition, Gen & Kelly Tanabe, SuperCollege, 2017 .

Tell stories about your lived experience

You might wonder how exactly to go about writing stories about your “lived experience.” The first step, after getting drawing inspiration from other people’s stories, is to sit down and reflect on your own life and what might be interesting about it, from the point of view of someone outside of your direct environment or community.

Two straightforward approaches for a diversity-related essay are to either focus on your community or on your identity . The first one is more related to what you were born into (and what it taught you), and the second one focuses on how you see yourself, as an individual but also as part of society.

Take some time to sit down and reflect on which of these two approaches you relate to more and which one you think you have more to say about. And then we’d recommend you do what always helps when we sit in front of a blank page that needs to be filled: Make a list or draw a chart or create a map of keywords that can become the cornerstones of your story.

For example, if you choose the “community” approach, then start with a list of all the communities that you are a part of. These communities can be defined by different factors:

• A shared place: people live or work together
• Shared actions: People create something together or solve problems together
• Shared interests: People come together based on interests, hobbies, or goals
• Shared circumstances: people are brought together by chance or by events

Once you have that list, pick one of your communities and start asking yourself more specific questions. For example: 

• What did you do as a member of that community? 
• What kinds of problems did you solve , for your community or together?
• Did you feel like you had an impact ? What was it?
• What did you learn or realize ? 
• How are you going to apply what you learned outside of that community?

If, instead, you choose the “identity” approach, then think about different ways in which you think about yourself and make a list of those. For example:

My identity is as a… 

• boy scout leader
• hobby writer
• babysitter for my younger siblings
• speaker of different languages
• collector of insightful proverbs
• Japanese-American
• other roles in your family, community, or social sub-group

Feel free to list as many identities as you can. Then, think about what different sides of you these identities reveal and which ones you have not yet shown or addressed in your other application documents and essays. Think about whether one of these is more important to you than others if there is one that you’d rather like to hide (and why) and if there is any struggle, for example with reconciling all of these sides of yourself or with one of them not being accepted by your culture or environment.

Overall, the most important characteristic admissions committees are looking for in your diversity essay is authenticity . They want to know who you are, behind your SATs and grades, and how you got where you are now, and they want to see what makes you memorable (remember, they have to read thousands of essays to decide who to enroll). 

The admissions committee members likely also have a “sixth sense” about whose essay is authentic and whose is not. But if you go through a creative process like the one outlined here, you will automatically reflect on your background and experiences in a way that will bring out your authenticity and honesty and prevent you from just making up a “cool story.”

Diversity Essay Sample Prompts From Colleges

If you are still not sure how to write a diversity essay, let’s have a look at some of the actual diversity essay prompts that colleges include in their applications. 

Diversity Essay Sample #1: University of California

The University of California asks applicants to choose between eight prompts (they call them “ personal insight questions “) and submit four short essays of up to 350 words each that tell the admission committee what you would want them to know about you . These prompts ask about your creative side (#2), your greatest talent (#3), and other aspects of your personality, but two of them (#5 and #7) are what could be called “diversity essay prompts” that ask you to talk about the most significant challenge you have faced and what you have done to make your community a better place .

The University of California website also offers advice on how to use these prompts and how to write a compelling essay, so make sure you use all the guidance they give you if that is the school you are trying to get into!

UC Essay prompt #5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

Things to consider: A challenge could be personal, or something you have faced in your community or school. Why was the challenge significant to you? This is a good opportunity to talk about any obstacles you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from the experience. Did you have support from someone else or did you handle it alone?

UC Essay prompt #7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?  

Things to consider: Think of community as a term that can encompass a group, team, or place—like your high school, hometown, or home. You can define community as you see fit, just make sure you talk about your role in that community. Was there a problem that you wanted to fix in your community? Why were you inspired to act? What did you learn from your effort? 

Diversity Essay Sample #2: Duke University

Duke University asks for a one-page essay in response to either one of the Common Application prompts or one of the Coalition Application prompts, as well as a short essay that answers a question specific to Duke. 

In addition, you can (but do not have to) submit up to two short answers to four prompts that specifically ask about your unique experiences, your beliefs and values, and your background and identity. The maximum word count for each of these short essays on diversity topics is 250 words.

Essay prompt #1. We seek a diverse student body that embodies the wide range of human experience. In that context, we are interested in what you’d like to share about your lived experiences and how they’ve influenced how you think of yourself. Essay prompt #2. We believe there is benefit in sharing and sometimes questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with? What are you agreeing or disagreeing about? Essay prompt #3. What has been your best academic experience in the last two years, and what made it so good? Essay prompt #4. Duke’s commitment to diversity and inclusion includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. If you’d like to share with us more about your identity in this context, feel free to do so here.

Duke University is looking for students with a variety of different experiences, backgrounds, interests, and opinions to make its campus community diverse and a place where ambition and curiosity, talent and persistence can grow, and the admissions committee will “consider what you have accomplished within the context of your opportunities and challenges so far”—make sure you tell them!

Diversity Essay Sample #3: University of Washington

The University of Washington asks students for a long essay (650 words) on a general experience that shaped your character, a short essay (300 words) that describes the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of your future university and allows you to submit additional information on potential hardships or limitations you have experienced in attaining your education so far. The University of Washington freshman writing website also offers some tips on how to (and how not to) write and format your essays.

Essay prompt [required] Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.

Short response prompt [required] Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. “Community” might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW.

Additional information about yourself or your circumstances [optional] You are not required to write anything in this section, but you may include additional information if something has particular significance to you. For example, you may use this space if:

– You have experienced personal hardships in attaining your education

– Your activities have been limited because of work or family obligations

– You have experienced limitations/opportunities unique to the schools you attended

The University of Washington’s mission is to enroll undergraduates with outstanding intellectual abilities who bring different perspectives, backgrounds, and talents to the campus to create a “stimulating educational environment”. The diversity essay is your chance to let them know how you will contribute to that.

Diversity Essay Sample #4: University of Michigan

At the University of Michigan, a diversity college essay that describes one of the communities (defined by geography, religion, ethnicity, income, or other factors) you belong to is one of two required essays that need to be submitted by all applicants, on top of the Common Application essay. 

Diversity essay prompt. Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.

The University of Michigan prides itself in “looking at each student as a whole package” and recruiting the most dynamic students, with different backgrounds, interests, and passions, into their college, not just the ones with the highest test scores. They also give consideration to applicants from currently underrepresented groups to create diversity on campus and enrich the learning environment for all students—if that sounds like you, then here is your opportunity to tell your story!

Frequently Asked Questions about Diversity Essays

What topics should i avoid in my college diversity essay.

Since the point of a diversity essay is to show the admissions committee who you are (behind your grades and resume and general educational background), there are not many topics you need to avoid. In fact, you can address the issues, from your own perspective, that you are usually told not to mention in order not to offend anyone or create controversy. 

The only exception is any kind of criminal activity, especially child abuse and neglect. The University of Washington, for example, has a statement on its essay prompt website that “ any written materials that give admissions staff reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect of someone under the age of 18 may have occurred must be reported to Child Protective Services or the police. ”

What is most important to focus on in my diversity essay?

In brief, to stand out while not giving the admissions committee any reason to believe that you are exaggerating or even making things up. Your story needs to be authentic, and admissions officers—who read thousands of applications—will probably see right through you if you are trying to make yourself sound cooler, more mature, or more interesting than you are. 

In addition, make sure you let someone, preferably a professional editor, read over your essays and make sure they are well-written and error-free. Even though you are telling your personal story, it needs to be presented in standard, formal, correct English.

How long should a diversity essay be?

Every school has different requirements for their version of a diversity essay, and you will find all the necessary details on their admissions or essay prompts website. Make sure you check the word limit and other guidelines before you start typing away!

Prepare your college diversity essay for admission

Now that you know what a diversity essay is and how you find the specific requirements for the essays you need to submit to your school of choice, make sure you plan in advance and give yourself enough time to put all your effort into it! Our article How to Write the Common App Essay can give you an idea about timelines and creative preparation methods. And as always, we can help you with our professional editing services , including Application Essay Editing Services and Admission Editing Services , to ensure that your entire application is error-free and showcases your potential to the admissions committee of your school of choice.

For more academic resources on writing the statement of purpose for grad school or on the college admission process in general, head over to our Admissions Resources website where we have many more articles and videos to help you improve your essay writing skills.

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M.I.T. Will No Longer Require Diversity Statements for Hiring Faculty

Applicants were required to explain how they would enhance diversity. Free-speech advocates and others said that requirement enforced groupthink.

By Anemona Hartocollis

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology said on Monday that it would no longer require candidates applying for faculty positions to write diversity statements, which have been denounced by conservatives and free-speech advocates as forcing a kind of ideological conformity.

In their statements, generally a page-long, candidates were required to explain how they would enhance the university’s commitment to diversity.

Such statements have become enshrined in faculty hiring at many elite public and private universities, as well as in corporate life. Academics have defended them as necessary in judging whether a faculty member can reach out to an increasingly diverse student body.

In announcing the change, M.I.T.’s president, Sally Kornbluth, said diversity statements constituted a form of compelled speech that do not work.

“My goals are to tap into the full scope of human talent, to bring the very best to M.I.T. and to make sure they thrive once here,” Dr. Kornbluth said in a statement. “We can build an inclusive environment in many ways, but compelled statements impinge on freedom of expression, and they don’t work.”

M.I.T. and Dr. Kornbluth have been under scrutiny by House Republicans for the university’s handling of antisemitism accusations. In December, Dr. Kornbluth testified alongside two other presidents, Claudine Gay of Harvard and Elizabeth Magill of the University of Pennsylvania, in a congressional hearing on antisemitism , which helped lead to Dr. Gay and Ms. Magill’s resignations. And M.I.T., like many other campuses, has struggled to handle an increasingly intense pro-Palestinian encampment.

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4 years after George Floyd's death, has corporate America kept promises to Black America?

As millions poured into city streets to protest racial injustice in May 2020, corporations vowed to do their part , offering billions in financial commitments and drawing up ambitious goals to make their workforces look more like America . 

Four years after George Floyd died under a white officer's knee , what was supposed to be a watershed moment in the workplace has been waylaid by conservative activists waging aggressive campaigns against diversity, equity and inclusion in statehouses and courthouses across the country, diversity, equity and inclusion advocates say.

Fueled by last year's Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action in college admissions , women and people of color are being handed jobs and promotions at the expense of more qualified and deserving candidates , DEI critics claim. They also argue that any program that excludes white people is just as illegal as a program that excludes Black people. Those allegations have opened the legal floodgates to discrimination claims by white people .

“DEI is just a polite way of rewarding certain groups and punishing other groups on the basis of their ancestry,” conservative activist Christopher Rufo – who spearheaded Claudine Gay’s ouster as Harvard's president – recently told the Daily Signal . “I think we’re steadily making progress on that. The fight is still in its beginning stages, but we’re in a better position now than we were a year ago.”

The "anti-woke" backlash has unnerved business leaders who find themselves navigating shifting terrain.

Publicly, most say they remain as dedicated to diversity as ever. But privately, they are rethinking the promises they made, scrutinizing investments in diversity, equity and inclusion that have not paid off and backing away from initiatives like hiring targets that conservatives claim are illegal quotas, says Johnny C. Taylor Jr., CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management.

The volatile political climate "is going to discourage some of the more aggressive actions that people took post-George Floyd," Taylor said. "At the time, there were a lot of aggressive statements and actions taken that now people are rightly saying they are not sure about."

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs under scrutiny as backlash grows

In his annual letter to shareholders last month, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said his company was being more cautious and adapting “as the laws evolve.”

“We will scour our programs, our words and our actions to make sure they comply,” he wrote. 

JPMorgan Chase is not alone.

Diversity policies and programs rushed into existence amid the nation’s racial reckoning in 2020 and 2021 are increasingly under the microscope. Fellowships and internships that once were open only to historically underrepresented groups are now increasingly open to everyone .

Many of these changes have come in the face of mounting legal challenges to diversity programs and policies.

Internet giant Amazon.com has fended off two lawsuits against grant programs for minorities. Pfizer and Starbucks have prevailed in similar legal challenges. On Tuesday a federal judge in Ohio dismissed a lawsuit alleging financial tech firm Hello Alice engaged in racial discrimination when it launched a grant program supporting Black business owners.

But corporations want to avoid the firing line if they can. A growing number have dropped mentions of diversity goals in shareholder reports. Some even list diversity, equity and inclusion as a “risk factor.”

Two men fought for jobs in a factory: 50 years later, the nation is still divided.

Black workers made small gains since Floyd's murder

The retreat has sparked fears that the anti-diversity, equity and inclusion campaign could set back the small gains in the workforce and corporate leadership made over the last four years. 

Historic advantages have helped white people – men especially –  dominate the business world, creating yawning gaps in status, pay and wealth. A USA TODAY investigation of the nation’s largest companies found that the top ranks are predominantly white and male , while women and people of color are concentrated at the lowest levels with less pay, fewer perks and little opportunity for advancement.

Today, Black directors hold 12% of board seats at S&P 500 companies, up from 9.5% at the end of 2020, but that growth has recently leveled off, according to data from data research firm DiversIQ. White men and women hold 75% of board seats.

The number of Black executives running S&P 500 companies has doubled since 2016, but Black CEOs still account for 8 out of 505 of those leadership positions while white men – 399 of them – dominate the top job and white women hold 39.

Porter Braswell, who has spent the last decade helping corporate America hire diverse talent, says targeted efforts to level the corporate playing field are still necessary and most employers know it. Those abandoning the work now were never serious about it in the first place, he said.

“What we are seeing now is that people who were never about this work continue not to be about it,” said Braswell, who now runs 2045, a membership network to accelerate the careers of people of color and aid in their retention. “The only thing that is changing is the branding of DEI but the end goal and the work remain the same. We are building better products and better workplaces. You can’t cancel that.” 

Companies that vowed change deny backtracking

The critics of diversity, equity and inclusion may be getting louder, but corporations say that does not mean they are backtracking on commitments.

In his letter to shareholders, JPMorgan Chase's Dimon said diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives help his company make smarter decisions and achieve better financial results. 

Nearly three-quarters of executives surveyed by Bridge Partners’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Barometer expect to build their DEI programs in the next 24 months while only 4% say they will cut back or eliminate them. The executives cited the benefits of DEI on recruiting, hiring and retention (94%) and the reputational boost with the public (74%).

By and large, they said the political climate has not had much impact on their DEI commitments, with 53% of executives saying it has had no impact and 47% saying it had a small impact, Bridge Partners found.

A survey from employment law firm Littler Mendelson had similar findings: 91% of executives said they are still prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion and 57% said they had expanded their efforts.

“Yes, the era of performative diversity, equity, and inclusion – where companies made big promises about investments and representation – is over,” said Joelle Emerson, co-founder and CEO of diversity strategy and consulting firm Paradigm. 

Rather than make splashy proclamations, they are taking a data-driven approach to diversity efforts, devising systems and processes so that people from all backgrounds have a fair opportunity to thrive, she said.

More organizations are committed to diversity now than they were before 2020, according to Emerson. Today 63% of companies have a dedicated diversity, equity and inclusion budget and 57% have a strategy in place, up from 54% and 51% six months ago, according to Paradigm data.

“While the anti-diversity rhetoric has had an overall chilling effect and certainly gave companies who never really valued diversity, equity, and inclusion cover to pull back on their efforts, we’re actually seeing most companies are continuing their work, just less vocally,” Emerson said.

The bottom line, according to Dimon: “Our initiatives make us a more inclusive company.”

Diversity, equity and inclusion out in 2024, inclusion is in

Inclusion is the operative term going forward, the Society for Human Resource Management's Taylor said.

Taylor now prefers “IED” to “DEI” to put the spotlight on inclusion and changed the name of his group’s annual DEI conference to “Inclusion 2024.”

“Without a doubt, there are conversations everywhere now about: What do we call this? Do we change the term because DEI has such a negative connotation and do the same work but just call it something else?” he said.

The answer for Taylor is no. Call it a refocus, not a rebrand, he says. Terms like “inclusion” or “belonging” stress initiatives that benefit everyone, not just certain demographic groups.

Mentions of “DEI” and “diversity” in reports from Fortune 100 companies fell 22% while “belonging” jumped 59%, according to a new report from corporate reputation insights firm Gravity Research.

“For the last two or three decades, the work was led by diversity,” he said. “Now that we have achieved some real progress, we are not going to exclude diversity, but we are going to prioritize inclusion.”

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May 8, 2024

The Diversity Essay: How to Write an Excellent Diversity Essay

What is a diversity essay in a school application? And why does it matter when applying to leading programs and universities? Most importantly, how should you go about writing such an essay?

Diversity is of supreme value in higher education, and schools want to know how every student will contribute to the diversity on their campus. A diversity essay gives applicants with disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds, an unusual education, a distinctive experience, or a unique family history an opportunity to write about how these elements of their background have prepared them to play a useful role in increasing and encouraging diversity among their target program’s student body and broader community.

The purpose of all application essays is to help the adcom better understand who an applicant is and what they care about. Your essays are your chance to share your voice and humanize your application. This is especially true for the diversity essay, which aims to reveal your unique perspectives and experiences, as well as the ways in which you might contribute to a college community.

In this post, we’ll discuss what exactly a diversity essay is, look at examples of actual prompts and a sample essay, and offer tips for writing a standout essay. 

In this post, you’ll find the following: 

What a diversity essay covers

How to show you can add to a school’s diversity, why diversity matters to schools.

• Seven examples that reveal diversity

Sample diversity essay prompts

How to write about your diversity.

• A diversity essay example

Upon hearing the word “diversity” in relation to an application essay, many people assume that they will have to write about gender, sexuality, class, or race. To many, this can feel overly personal or irrelevant, and some students might worry that their identity isn’t unique or interesting enough. In reality, the diversity essay is much broader than many people realize.

Identity means different things to different people. The important thing is that you demonstrate your uniqueness and what matters to you. In addition to writing about one of the traditional identity features we just mentioned (gender, sexuality, class, race), you could consider writing about a more unusual feature of yourself or your life – or even the intersection of two or more identities.

Consider these questions as you think about what to include in your diversity essay:

• Do you have a unique or unusual talent or skill?
• Do you have beliefs or values that are markedly different from those of the people around you? 
• Do you have a hobby or interest that sets you apart from your peers? 
• Have you done or experienced something that few people have? Note that if you choose to write about a single event as a diverse identity feature, that event needs to have had a pretty substantial impact on you and your life. For example, perhaps you’re part of the 0.2% of the world’s population that has run a marathon, or you’ve had the chance to watch wolves hunt in the wild.
• Do you have a role in life that gives you a special outlook on the world? For example, maybe one of your siblings has a rare disability, or you grew up in a town with fewer than 500 inhabitants.

If you are an immigrant to the United States, the child of immigrants, or someone whose ethnicity is underrepresented in the States, your response to “How will you add to the diversity of our class/community?” and similar questions might help your application efforts. Why? Because you have the opportunity to show the adcom how your background will contribute a distinctive perspective to the program you are applying to.

Of course, if you’re not underrepresented in your field or part of a disadvantaged group, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have anything to write about in a diversity essay.

For example, you might have an unusual or special experience to share, such as serving in the military, being a member of a dance troupe, or caring for a disabled relative. These and other distinctive experiences can convey how you will contribute to the diversity of the school’s campus.

Maybe you are the first member of your family to apply to college or the first person in your household to learn English. Perhaps you have worked your way through college or helped raise your siblings. You might also have been an ally to those who are underrepresented, disadvantaged, or marginalized in your community, at your school, or in a work setting. 

As you can see, diversity is not limited to one’s religion, ethnicity, culture, language, or sexual orientation. It refers to whatever element of your identity distinguishes you from others and shows that you, too, value diversity.

The diversity essay provides colleges the chance to build a student body that includes different ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, backgrounds, interests, and so on. Applicants are asked to illuminate what sets them apart so that the adcoms can see what kind of diverse views and opinions they can bring to the campus.

Admissions officers believe that diversity in the classroom improves the educational experience of all the students involved. They also believe that having a diverse workforce better serves society as a whole.

The more diverse perspectives found in the classroom, throughout the dorms, in the dining halls, and mixed into study groups, the richer people’s discussions will be.

Plus, learning and growing in this kind of multicultural environment will prepare students for working in our increasingly multicultural and global world.

In medicine, for example, a heterogeneous workforce benefits people from previously underrepresented cultures. Businesses realize that they will market more effectively if they can speak to different audiences, which is possible when members of their workforce come from various backgrounds and cultures. Schools simply want to prepare graduates for the 21st century job market.

Seven examples that reveal diversity

Adcoms want to know about the diverse elements of your character and how these have helped you develop particular  personality traits , as well as about any unusual experiences that have shaped you.

Here are seven examples an applicant could write about:

1. They grew up in an environment with a strong emphasis on respecting their elders, attending family events, and/or learning their parents’ native language and culture.

2. They are close to their grandparents and extended family members who have taught them how teamwork can help everyone thrive.

3. They have had to face difficulties that stem from their parents’ values being in conflict with theirs or those of their peers.

4. Teachers have not always understood the elements of their culture or lifestyle and how those elements influence their performance.

5. They have suffered discrimination and succeeded despite it because of their grit, values, and character.

6. They learned skills from a lifestyle that is outside the norm (e.g., living in foreign countries as the child of a diplomat or contractor; performing professionally in theater, dance, music, or sports; having a deaf sibling).

7. They’ve encountered racism or other prejudice (either toward themselves or others) and responded by actively promoting diverse, tolerant values.

And remember, diversity is not about who your parents are.  It’s about who you are  – at the core.

Your background, influences, religious observances, native language, ideas, work environment, community experiences – all these factors come together to create a unique individual, one who will contribute to a varied class of distinct individuals taking their place in a diverse world.

The best-known diversity essay prompt is from the  Common App . It states:

“Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”

Some schools have individual diversity essay prompts. For example, this one is from  Duke University :

“We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.” 

And the  Rice University application includes the following prompt:

“Rice is strengthened by its diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders and change agents across the spectrum of human endeavor. What perspectives shaped by your background, experiences, upbringing, and/or racial identity inspire you to join our community of change agents at Rice?”

In all instances, colleges want you to demonstrate how and what you’ll contribute to their communities.

Your answer to a school’s diversity essay question should focus on how your experiences have built your empathy for others, your embrace of differences, your resilience, your character, and your perspective.

The school might ask how you think of diversity or how you will bring or add to the diversity of the school, your chosen profession, or your community. Make sure you answer the specific question posed by highlighting distinctive elements of your profile that will add to the class mosaic every adcom is trying to create. You don’t want to blend in; you want to stand out in a positive way while also complementing the school’s canvas.

Here’s a simple, three-part framework that will help you think of diversity more broadly:

Who are you? What has contributed to your identity? How do you distinguish yourself? Your identity can include any of the following: gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, religion, nontraditional work experience, nontraditional educational background, multicultural background, and family’s educational level.

What have you done? What have you accomplished? This could include any of the following: achievements inside and/or outside your field of study, leadership opportunities, community service, internship or professional experience, research opportunities, hobbies, and travel. Any or all of these could be unique. Also, what life-derailing, throw-you-for-a-loop challenges have you faced and overcome?

How do you think? How do you approach things? What drives you? What influences you? Are you the person who can break up a tense meeting with some well-timed humor? Are you the one who intuitively sees how to bring people together? 

Read more about this three-part framework in Episode 193 of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk podcast or listen wherever you get your favorite podcast s.

Think about each question within this framework and how you could apply your diversity elements to your target school’s classroom or community. Any of these elements can serve as the framework for your essay.

Don’t worry if you can’t think of something totally “out there.” You don’t need to be a tightrope walker living in the Andes or a Buddhist monk from Japan to be able to contribute to a school’s diversity!

And please remember, the examples we have offered here are not exhaustive. There are many other ways to show diversity!

All you need to do to be able to write successfully about how you will contribute to the diversity of your target school’s community is examine your identity, deeds, and ideas, with an eye toward your personal distinctiveness and individuality. There is only one  you .

Take a look at the sample diversity essay in the next section of this post, and pay attention to how the writer underscores their appreciation for, and experience with, diversity. 

A diversity essay sample

When I was starting 11th grade, my dad, an agricultural scientist, was assigned to a 3-month research project in a farm village in Niigata (northwest Honshu in Japan). Rather than stay behind with my mom and siblings, I begged to go with him. As a straight-A student, I convinced my parents and the principal that I could handle my schoolwork remotely (pre-COVID) for that stretch. It was time to leap beyond my comfortable suburban Wisconsin life—and my Western orientation, reinforced by travel to Europe the year before. 

We roomed in a sprawling farmhouse with a family participating in my dad’s study. I thought I’d experience an “English-free zone,” but the high school students all studied and wanted to practice English, so I did meet peers even though I didn’t attend their school. Of the many eye-opening, influential, cultural experiences, the one that resonates most powerfully to me is experiencing their community. It was a living, organic whole. Elementary school kids spent time helping with the rice harvest. People who foraged for seasonal wild edibles gave them to acquaintances throughout the town. In fact, there was a constant sharing of food among residents—garden veggies carried in straw baskets, fish or meat in coolers. The pharmacist would drive prescriptions to people who couldn’t easily get out—new mothers, the elderly—not as a business service but as a good neighbor. If rain suddenly threatened, neighbors would bring in each other’s drying laundry. When an empty-nest 50-year-old woman had to be hospitalized suddenly for a near-fatal snakebite, neighbors maintained her veggie patch until she returned. The community embodied constant awareness of others’ needs and circumstances. The community flowed!

Yet, people there lamented that this lifestyle was vanishing; more young people left than stayed or came. And it wasn’t idyllic: I heard about ubiquitous gossip, long-standing personal enmities, busybody-ness. But these very human foibles didn’t dam the flow. This dynamic community organism couldn’t have been more different from my suburban life back home, with its insular nuclear families. We nod hello to neighbors in passing. 

This wonderful experience contained a personal challenge. Blond and blue-eyed, I became “the other” for the first time. Except for my dad, I saw no Westerner there. Curious eyes followed me. Stepping into a market or walking down the street, I drew gazes. People swiftly looked away if they accidentally caught my eye. It was not at all hostile, I knew, but I felt like an object. I began making extra sure to appear “presentable” before going outside. The sense of being watched sometimes generated mild stress or resentment. Returning to my lovely tatami room, I would decompress, grateful to be alone. I realized this challenge was a minute fraction of what others experience in my own country. The toll that feeling—and being— “other” takes on non-white and visibly different people in the US can be extremely painful. Experiencing it firsthand, albeit briefly, benignly, and in relative comfort, I got it.

Unlike the organic Niigata community, work teams, and the workplace itself, have externally driven purposes. Within this different environment, I will strive to exemplify the ongoing mutual awareness that fueled the community life in Niigata. Does it benefit the bottom line, improve the results? I don’t know. But it helps me be the mature, engaged person I want to be, and to appreciate the individuals who are my colleagues and who comprise my professional community. I am now far more conscious of people feeling their “otherness”—even when it’s not in response to negative treatment, it can arise simply from awareness of being in some way different.

What did you think of this essay? Does this middle class Midwesterner have the unique experience of being different from the surrounding majority, something she had not experienced in the United States? Did she encounter diversity from the perspective of “the other”? 

Here a few things to note about why this diversity essay works so well:

1. The writer comes from “a comfortable, suburban, Wisconsin life,” suggesting that her background might not be ethnically, racially, or in any other way diverse.

2. The diversity “points” scored all come from her fascinating experience of having lived in a Japanese farm village, where she immersed herself in a totally different culture.

3. The lessons learned about the meaning of community are what broaden and deepen the writer’s perspective about life, about a purpose-driven life, and about the concept of “otherness.” 

By writing about a time when you experienced diversity in one of its many forms, you can write a memorable and meaningful diversity essay.

Working on your diversity essay?

Want to ensure that your application demonstrates the diversity that your dream school is seeking?  Work with one of our admissions experts . This checklist includes more than 30 different ways to think about diversity to jump-start your creative engine.

Dr. Sundas Ali has more than 15 years of experience teaching and advising students, providing career and admissions advice, reviewing applications, and conducting interviews for the University of Oxford’s undergraduate and graduate programs. In addition, Sundas has worked with students from a wide range of countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Pakistan, China, Japan, and the Middle East. Want Sundas to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! 

Related Resources:

• Different Dimensions of Diversity , podcast Episode 193
• What Should You Do If You Belong to an Overrepresented MBA Applicant Group?
• Fitting In & Standing Out: The Paradox at the Heart of Admissions , a free guide

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