Embassy Speakers Bureau Warsaw discusses Multiculturalism in the United States

On May 14, 2007, PAS Officer Melissa Jarrett gave a presentation on the United States as a multicultural and multiethnic country to a group of forty junior high students in Rydultowy.  The presentation opened with a brief summary of immigration trends in the United States and provided a snapshot of today's demographics, particularly the 2000 census results that show 11% of the U.S. population is foreign-born.  With student participation, she discussed various definitions of diversity, pointing out that diversity and multiculturalism are not merely references to ethnic diversity, but include religious diversity, gender diversity, and also apply to Americans with disabilities.  Ms. Jarrett then explored some of the education options and programs the American school system uses today in order to ensure the education needs of such a diverse population are met - such as bilingual education in some states, private religious schools, and gifted and talented programs.  Finally, Ms. Jarrett used examples of holidays to demonstrate how multiculturalism is part of the American identity, such as St. Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, and Cinco de Mayo.  The students eagerly asked questions about the speaker's life in Poland and the United States, and education opportunities for Polish students in the U.S.