Impressive steps have in fact been taken at the top, but there is much to be done on all levels of our society. At Touro, you have had the fortunate experience of being educated in an extremely diverse environment. This experience will serve you well as workplaces increasingly recognize that the benefits of diversity, the lessons which are so difficult to learn with books alone are brought to workplaces that look like you, talk like you and work hard like you. However, we must recognize that troubling patterns still remain and we must reaffirm our commitment to ensure that each and every one of us enjoyS the fruits of this bountiful economy. To illustrate my point, allow me to share some important facts.
Minorities face a greater disparity.
You will live with them tomorrow and you probably are living with them already. Hispanic women with college degrees earn still less than men with only a high school diploma. Minority high school drop out rates remain unacceptably high, and even when our kids stay in school they all too often do not receive the educational resources that would foster fair competition. With your help, all these numbers must change. When it comes to conditions of employment we face similar obstacles.