Affirmative Action v. Diversity

Here’s a thought the Supremes can chew on as they ponder the Michigan AA cases. The Kansas State University Collegian quotes Clyde Howard, director of affirmative action:

Howard said the purpose of affirmative action is to change the way an institution looks, while diversity changes the way an institution works. He said affirmative action usually tries to assimilate people into the system, whereas the concept of diversity allows new ideas and perspectives to influence the way an institution operates.

Hmm. But as Alice Dorothy notably said, “We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto!”