OUR VIEW: Morals, diversity must be separate

A debate is being waged on campus about diversity. The problem seems to stem from conflicting views on how diversity is defined, and what its purpose is.

Diversity is more than simply differences in race, culture and language. It is also about differences in religious, political and moral beliefs. The push for diversity began as a way to prevent racial discrimination, and has been largely successful. The value of racial diversity is no longer in question.

Now people are turning to the term diversity to argue that all beliefs, lifestyles and opinions are valuable, acceptable and necessary. The value of this type of diversity is in question, because while no one argues against accepting an individual, they can and should disapprove of certain types of behavior.

Diversity cannot be confused with morality, though. A diverse community can be a strong one. An immoral community cannot. So the question is, who decides what is moral? This is a debate that will continue forever, but just because someone doesn’t agree with a certain moral standing does not mean they do not support diversity.

Name-calling and violence will only make everyone defensive, instead of making a point or persuading others to a certain point of view. A free press provides a place for everyone to express their ideas without being punished, but people cannot assume their argument will alter moral ideals.