Wayne State Replaces Basic Math Requirement With Diversity Class

Kramer Smash10 years ago

A faculty committee at Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan proposed a few changes to WSU’s curriculum in hopes of teaching students to be more sensitive of diversity. By 2018, Wayne State’s general math requirement will be phased out and replaced with a three-credit diversity course.

From Michigan Capitol Confidential:

We are proposing the creation of specific ‘Diversity’ courses, with students required to take one course in this designation,” said a document from the General Education Reform Committee, which is recalibrating what the university will expect from all students who earn a degree from the state university. It released the proposal in May.

The committee report said, “These courses will provide opportunities for students to explore diversity at the domestic level and consider the ways in which it intersects with real world challenges at the local, national and/or global level.

In announcing the change in mathematics, the university said, “This decision was made largely because the current (math) requirement is at a level already required by most high school mathematics curriculum.”

This move is much more symbolic than effectual. Students who want jobs one day (i.e. the students studying in STEM, health and business related fields) still have to take their requisite math courses, while literature and gender studies majors probably will not. Wayne State administrators defend the decision by saying they think math requirements should best be left to the individual department curriculum, rather than be a school-wide requirement.

Eradicating the math requirement is pretty stupid, and replacing it with diversity training is embarrassing. Mathematical prowess is an objectively measured, gender and race-neutral skill that transcends all cultural barriers. The language of math is universal and it’s a cultural equalizer, like being able to run fast. And Wayne State views basic math ability as unimportant compared to diversity awareness.

Who the fuck thought this was a good idea? Some students will earn a college degree by 2023 or 2024 without ever having taken even the simplest of college math courses. At least they’ll be keen on diversity.

Who needs math skills when you’re woke AF?.

[via Michigan Capitol Confidential]

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