Resolutions Related to Higher Education

B-34. Multicultural Education

The National Education Association believes that multiculturalism is the process of valuing differences and incorporating the values identified into behavior for the goal of achieving the common good. The Association also believes that multicultural education is a way of helping students perceive the cultural diversity of the United States so that they may develop pride in their own cultural legacy and awaken to the ideals embodied in the cultures of their neighbors. Multicultural education should promote the recognition of individual and group differences and similarities in order to reduce racism, homophobia, ethnic and all other forms of prejudice, and discrimination and to develop self-esteem as well as respect for others.

The Association further believes that multicultural education encompasses at least three things: an idea or concept, an educational reform movement, and a process. As an idea or concept, multicultural education assumes that all students can learn. As an educational reform movement, multicultural education seeks to develop an entire school environment that is inclusive of cultural considerations (e.g., curriculum, instructional materials, learning and testing, respect for cultural differences, etc.). As a process, the development of a multicultural school environment is ever evolving and ongoing. (1981, 2001)

NOTE: Figures in parentheses represent the years when the resolution was first adopted and last amended or reviewed.