1. Leadership & Teambuilding
Diversity
Leadership & Teambuilding

2. Why diversity is important
“We want to accurately reflect life in our
communities. If our publications are not
inclusive enough to regularly portray
the diversity of those communities, then
we are presenting a fundamentally
inaccurate report. That lack of accuracy
undermines our journalistic credibility.”
—American Society of Newspaper Editors

3. Tips for reporting on diversity
Mention race, national origin, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation only when relevant.
Key to understanding of the story.
Helps identify at-large suspects.
If status is important, don’t assume that readers will pick up on clues.
Don’t just report minorities’ statuses.

4. Appropriate or not?
“Six males were detained for questioning by the LAPD Sunday night after Public Safety received a call reporting a burglary in one of the residence halls on campus...
“The six suspects, who were all African- American, were arrested in the parking lot between Huesman and Rosecrans, but Public Safety and LAPD officers were unable to confirm where the attempted burglary took place.”

5. Appropriate or not?
“D’Aguiar said the date of Danticat’s reading was meaningful.
‘We thought we’d try to find the person who would bridge black history month with women’s history month to bring the two concepts together in one body,’ D’Aguiar said.”

6. Reporting on diversity
Make connections to increase minority representation in your publication.
Read and watch publications aimed toward diverse groups.
Contact race-relations specialists and diversity groups.
Ask everyone you meet for lists of community leaders.
Create a list of people who can offer diverse perspectives.
Visit ethnic communities, eat at ethnic restaurants, shop at ethnic stores. Meet the owners.

7. Barriers to minority participation
Failure to reach out and invite minority students to participate
Perceptions by minority students that those media are elitist and cliquish
Creation of racist image by student media
Consequent pressure from minority peers against participation
Conflicts created by time demands

8. Images and realities
Provide visibility by making facilities more open to outsiders
Train staff members in recruiting
Ask advisers to recommend good writers
Conduct open houses regularly

9. Changing perceptions Explain to all staff members what barriers exist
Talk frankly and frequently about problems students are having
Encourage participation in minority membership groups