bias The tendency to hold a certain perspective when there are valid alternatives.
You might feel uncomfortable when asked about your views of diversity. We all have biases against certain groups or value systems, yet it is what we do with our individual beliefs that separates the average person from the racist, the bigot, and the extremist.
discrimination The act of treating people differently because of their race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic class, or other identifying characteristics rather than on their merits.
prejudice A preconceived judgment or opinion of someone based not on facts or knowledge, such as prejudging someone based entirely on his or her skin color.
Unfortunately, some individuals opt not to seek education for the common good but instead respond negatively to groups that differ from their own. Documented acts of discrimination and prejudice on campuses span the country. You might be shocked to hear that these acts of violence, intimidation, and stupidity occur on campuses, when the assumption is that college students are “supposed to be above that.”