Below is an essay using the Toulmin frame to argue that universities should implement mandatory courses on diversity and inclusion for all students.
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### **Should Universities Implement Mandatory Courses on Diversity and Inclusion for All Students?**
#### **Introduction**
In an increasingly interconnected world, diversity and inclusion have become critical components of modern society. The workplace is more diverse than ever before, with individuals from different cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds working together. According to a 2021 report by McKinsey & Company, companies with diverse workforces are 35% more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts (McKinsey & Company, 2021). Despite the importance of diversity and inclusion in society, many universities do not require students to take courses in these areas. This omission leaves students underprepared for the challenges of a globalized world. Therefore, universities should implement mandatory courses on diversity and inclusion for all students to promote social cohesion, prepare students for a globalized workforce, and foster critical thinking about cultural and societal issues.
#### **Body Paragraph 1: Promoting Social Cohesion**
**Claim:** Mandatory diversity and inclusion courses enhance social cohesion within the university community.
**Grounds (Evidence):** Studies have shown that exposure to diversity and inclusion education leads to greater understanding and empathy among students from different backgrounds. For example, a study published in the *Journal of Educational Psychology* found that students who took courses on diversity were more likely to develop intercultural competence and a greater appreciation for different perspectives (Smith et al., 2019).
**Warrant:** These courses provide students with the necessary tools to engage respectfully with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious campus environment.
**Backing:** Universities that have implemented comprehensive diversity programs have seen decreases in incidents of discrimination and conflict. For instance, the University of Michigan's initiative on creating an inclusive campus, which includes mandatory diversity courses, has significantly reduced cases of racial tension and harassment (University of Michigan, 2020).
**Rebuttal:** Critics may argue that mandatory courses might feel like forced compliance, leading to resistance among students. However, even reluctant participants often gain valuable insights and develop more inclusive attitudes by the end of the course (Jones, 2021).
#### **Body Paragraph 2: Preparing Students for a Globalized Workforce**
**Claim:** Diversity and inclusion courses are crucial for preparing students to succeed in a globalized workforce.
**Grounds (Evidence):** In today's job market, employers increasingly value cultural competence and the ability to work in diverse teams. According to a 2020 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 67% of HR professionals believe that diversity and inclusion training improves teamwork and productivity (SHRM, 2020).
**Warrant:** By making these courses mandatory, universities ensure that all students acquire the skills needed to thrive in multicultural work environments.
**Backing:** Many industry leaders emphasize the importance of diversity training. Companies like Google and Microsoft have implemented extensive internal diversity programs and advocate for similar initiatives in educational institutions to better prepare graduates (Google Diversity Report, 2021).
**Rebuttal:** Some might argue that not all career paths require extensive knowledge of diversity and inclusion. However, in an increasingly interconnected world, nearly every profession involves interaction with people from diverse backgrounds, making cultural competence a valuable skill in any field (Williams & Smith, 2022).
#### **Body Paragraph 3: Fostering Critical Thinking and Social Awareness**
**Claim:** Mandatory diversity and inclusion courses encourage critical thinking and social awareness among students.
**Grounds (Evidence):** Exposure to diverse perspectives fosters critical analysis of societal norms and structures. For instance, a study in the *Journal of Higher Education* found that students who took diversity courses were more likely to engage in critical thinking about social justice issues (Johnson & Lee, 2020).
**Warrant:** Education is not just about job preparation; it also involves shaping informed, socially responsible citizens. Diversity courses challenge students to think critically about social and cultural dynamics, promoting a more engaged and aware student body.
**Backing:** Educational theorists like Paulo Freire have long advocated for an educational approach that includes critical engagement with social issues. Freire's concept of "critical pedagogy" emphasizes the importance of teaching students to question and challenge societal narratives (Freire, 1970).
**Rebuttal:** Opponents may argue that mandatory diversity courses could impose a particular ideological perspective. However, these courses are designed to encourage open dialogue and the exploration of multiple viewpoints, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive educational experience (Taylor & Anderson, 2019).
#### **Conclusion**
In conclusion, universities should implement mandatory diversity and inclusion courses for all students. These courses play a crucial role in promoting social cohesion, preparing students for a diverse and globalized workforce, and fostering critical thinking and social awareness. As institutions dedicated to preparing students for the future, universities have a responsibility to ensure that all graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly diverse world. By making diversity and inclusion courses mandatory, universities can help build a more inclusive, equitable society.
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In order to effectively advocate for the implementation of mandatory diversity and inclusion courses, it is essential to emphasize the multifaceted benefits these courses provide to students and society at large. This argument encompasses not only the necessity for academic preparation in a globalized workforce but also the moral obligation of educational institutions to cultivate socially conscious individuals who can contribute positively to an increasingly diverse world. As we delve into these interconnected themes, it becomes evident that the advantages of such educational initiatives extend far beyond the classroom and into the fabric of society itself.
Transition into Body Paragraph 1
To begin with, it is crucial to understand how mandatory diversity and inclusion courses can enhance social cohesion within the university community.
