Navigating Diversity and Tolerance in Higher Education and Insights from East Nusa Tenggara Province

Abstract

The rise of religious, cultural, and ideological intolerance, prejudice, and discrimination on university campuses is a major educational challenge. This research suggests ways universities might manage diversity and promote tolerance and multiculturalism on and off campus. The paper uses successful East Nusa Tenggara community and university diversity management and tolerance initiatives to explain these strategies. Qualitative research included a literature review and Focus Group Discussions on 12 East Nusa Tenggara universities. As convergence locations for intellectuals from varied religious, cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds, colleges must become diverse, tolerant, inclusive, and multicultural. The study shows that East Nusa Tenggara campuses have managed diversity and promoted tolerance well, serving as models for other communities.