One subject of great debate among educators and students is that racial diversity within a school increases academic development. Some academics believe that socializing with people of various racial groups and discussion involving racial issues contributes to an individual's learning experience. This cultural awareness adds to the commitment of promoting racial understanding, and therefore increases learning to some degree.
According to the College Board Advocacy and Policy Center, being ethnically conscious promotes cross-racial understanding, breaks down racial stereotypes and enlightens classroom discussion. Promoters of diversity policies within the educational system contend that it enhances critical thinking skills, increases involvement in community service and promotes greater retention of material learned. Diversity among student populations prepares students for diversity in the workplace and in society.
Some institutes for higher learning, such as Carnegie Mellon University, claim diversity prepares students for leadership roles within the international arena. They assert that their model of inclusion is a strategic priority that improves their student's experience in school, the workplace and in life ,and that schools need to teach diverse groups how to negotiate the differences among them.
Diversity of experience, age, physical ability, religion, race, ethnicity and gender contribute to the richness of the environment for teaching and research. Schools providing diversity in discipline, outlook, cognitive style and personality offer students a wide range of ideas that lead to a dynamic intellectual community. Promoting diversity to students should result in students feeling safe, valued and respected, whereas students who attend schools that do not focus on diversity may feel isolated and discriminated against.