Today's classroom can be a microcosm of the real world, encapsulating diversity in every sense of the word, from culture and religion to abilities and sexual orientation. But misunderstanding, fear, conflict and even hate can arise when we encounter difference or the so-called "other." For generations of students, this is disturbingly a common part of the school experience, manifested in a culture of conformity where cliques and bullies treat those who are "different" like outsiders.

With growing concerns about discrimination, racism, homophobia, bullying and other forms of intolerance in our diverse school communities, we asked educators and top minds in the 2012 edition of Dialogue magazine: How can schools be diverse and inclusive?

In the end, we can find this common message in this magazine issue: The heart of education, with its diverse and inclusive schools, is about valuing every unique human being. With open minds and hearts, when we look deeper below the surface, it is only everyone's hope that we can build healthier schools and, ultimately, a world where there are no cliques, bullies and outsiders.

—Christl Dabu | editor@ourkids.net