How to answer this?

[FutureNurse0201]

I am applying to graduate school and not sure if I understand this question correctly.

“What does it mean to have a commitment to diversity? How will you develop and apply diversity at XY university?”

I am confused about the “develop and apply” part. I talk about what I bring to university in terms of diversity and my diverse background but not sure what they mean by those two words. 
Am I overthinking this?

 

 

[Emergent, RN]

They probably aren't looking for diversity in thoughts and ideas, but more along the lines of gender identity inclusiveness and celebration of non-white people's contributions to society. 

I would research the buzzwords and say exactly what you know they want to hear. Your goal is to get into the postgraduate program and have that degree help you move forward in your career. 

[FutureNurse0201]

Emergent said:

They probably aren't looking for diversity in thoughts and ideas, but more along the lines of gender identity inclusiveness and celebration of non-white people's contributions to society. 

I would research the buzzwords and say exactly what you know they want to hear. Your goal is to get into the postgraduate program and have that degree help you move forward in your career. 

I kind of did that. I talk about my experiences which made me realize how important diversity is and what I learned from it… etc. so. I am bringing this perspective and spirit of inclusivity to campus. I just feel I am not answering the question right. 

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

FutureNurse0201 said:

I just feel I am not answering the question right. 

I hear ya! Every time you turn around, the mood and buzzwords change. Most likely, they don't read too much into the answer, as all they really want are the buzzwords. Truthfully, if we are all just respectful of each other, that creates the fertile bed for diversity

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Hoosier_RN said:

Truthfully, if we are all just respectful of each other, that creates the fertile bed for diversity

This! I get fed up when people throw around diversity as if it's a totally new concept and entirely based on increasing particular demographics. While I understand that there need to be efforts made into increasing demographic diversity in many workplaces, that's not something that most of us have any impact on in our roles. Unless you're becoming that hiring manager, just treating everything with respect and making a workplace that is welcoming for all is the limit of many people's individual impact.  

[FutureNurse0201]

JBMmom said:

This! I get fed up when people throw around diversity as if it's a totally new concept and entirely based on increasing particular demographics. While I understand that there need to be efforts made into increasing demographic diversity in many workplaces, that's not something that most of us have any impact on in our roles. Unless you're becoming that hiring manager, just treating everything with respect and making a workplace that is welcoming for all is the limit of many people's individual impact.  

Exactly, this is why I am so confused about “how are you going to develop commitment to diversity at our campus?” Like, what am I supposed to do? I just wrote that I understand the importance of supporting it and I will share my perspective and contribute to creating welcoming environment.