Cultural differences have always been a primary source of tension in high schools. Students come from a diverse range of backgrounds, ethnicities and religions. This can cause friction between social cliques as well as affect students’ success in high school. Schools would therefore be more peaceful and conducive to learning if tolerance was practiced in a broader manner.

It’s not uncommon in social groups of any kind to find people dividing themselves by a common factor. Some individuals identify themselves by these factors and therefore feel more comfortable in an environment with people of the same race, sexual orientation, religion or gender. The same is generally true for high schools.

Public learning institutions both contribute to cultural diversity and restrict it simultaneously. There are various organizations that can be easily found in most schools aimed toward spreading awareness about a certain culture. Students, especially those studying languages are frequently invited to events celebrating different heritages. These celebrations can span the entirety of the school and help to promote a general understanding and appreciation for different cultures. On the other hand, it seems as though most schools, though secular, seem to neglect things that are not based in Judeo-Christian values. Many students of different religions feel that their schools are not making enough of an effort to respect their cultures. For example, not all schools offer vegetarian meals, which can affect students that refrain from eating meat due to their culture.

In modern public schools, there is an extremely hot debate regarding the right of students to wear religious items. Some institutions have banned religious items altogether, while other schools are primarily targeting young Muslims. While items such as the niqab would pose a higher security risk than, say, a gold crucifix, this does not necessarily give public schools a free pass in targeting simply one group. Without some sort of blanket rule, schools run the risk of ostracizing a part of their student body by targeting only one specific group.

In addition to this, high school students are not always the most tolerant people. Many subscribe to stereotypical beliefs about people, or bully others based on their heritage. They will automatically assume that all black students are criminals, all Mexican students are border-hopping agricultural workers, and all Jewish children are greedy with big noses. While civilized members of society understand that this is not the case, it is a stretch of the imagination to attribute maturity to the average teenager.

A feeling of belonging is extremely important in a young student’s development. Their grades can suffer because of persecution by their peers, and their self-confidence will certainly decrease. With the rampant student suicides over the past month, is it so unbelievable that bullying over cultural differences can drive a young teenager to the brink?

Cultural differences have always, and will always, exist in high schools and in society. It is the responsibility of academic institutions to make all of their students feel welcomed and respected in a safe environment.