Multicultural education is an umbrella term for educational policies, curricula and programs that respect and include diverse worldviews, recognize social injustices and empower all students to achieve academically. In general, it encompasses "any set of processes by which schools work with, rather than against, oppressed groups." (Sleeter, 1992, p. 141) Many conceptualizations of multicultural education exist, since by its very nature it embraces multiple points of view.
In the United States, the "melting pot" metaphor no longer reflects, if it ever did, the cultural make-up of the nation. Our diverse and pluralistic society is more accurately described as a "salad bowl" containing components with unique looks, tastes, and textures. The ingredients maintain their characteristics as they are combined to produce a new dish. Multicultural education takes the "salad bowl" concept as a starting point. From it, new ideas, practices and attitudes about education are formed.
Source- Minnesota Independant School Forum (see below links)
People of color, women, and individuals with disabilities are some of the groups that often experience dual or multiple oppression. Members of these groups who also identify as LGBT often feel torn when they try to determine which community is truly their home. Women may find themselves sorting out relationships among how they are treated as women, as people of color, and as lesbians.
Often it can be difficult to find a support system that will value all aspects of an individual's experience. This webpage hopes to help individuals experiencing multiple oppression find resources that will provide them with support.
Source- see below links
Diversity and Multiculturalism Resources in Higher Education
Minnesota Independant School Forum
National Education Association Resolution on Multiculturalism
Utah State University Multiculturalism Resources
LGBT and Ageism Issues
LGBT and African American Issues
LGBT and Asian American Issues
LGBT and Chicano-Latino Issues
LGBT and Disability Issues
LGBT and Native American Issues
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