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1
See Sullivan et al, for a discussion of the different theoretical perspectives on the relationship between
tolerance and democracy. Only liberal democratic theories argue for the centrality of political tolerance.
Conservative theorists like Joseph Schumpeter endorse tolerance, but only to ensure that opposing elites
check each others powers. Federalist theorists like James Madison eschew tolerance in favor of diversity
and the decentralization of power to advance pluralistic intolerance.
2
Concerns about how tolerance is taught and learned in educational institutions is heightened by empirical
findings that other variables such as the diversity of the student population has an inverse effect on
reducing the fear of and animosity towards “least-liked groups.” (Godwin, et al., 2001).
3
The survey was conducted by a group of undergraduate students who randomly and anonymously
queried peers on- and off-campus. The primary locations on campus were Marriott Library (the primary
research library on campus), the Student Union Building (where student programs and food vendors are
located), and the Student Services Building. The primary locations off campus were the two main public
transportation services that serve university students, the city bus (UTA) and light rail systems (TRAX). In
this study, we attempted a more systematic analysis using course evaluations.
4
On the other hand, there are several studies that document the value of diversity education at the
university and college level. See, for example, .
5
The findings are tentative since they are based on a portion of the forty five cases. We wanted to test the
operational features of the variables before completing the statistical work on the full set.
Convention