Many minority students remain segregated from the mainstream of society. Disproportionate numbers of minority students drop out or require special education, and they are more likely to encounter teachers unqualified to meet their special needs. If more emphasis were placed on the liberal arts, teachers would be better able to accommodate ethnic and cultural differences in their classrooms, and better able to help mainstream the minority students into society. Liberally educated persons are more likely to know why they should be tolerant of others' feelings and ideas, and to be more appreciative of social diversity. Furthermore, liberal arts education appears to be an educational affirmation of the social bond that joins all people. The ultimate value of liberal arts education is that it makes us discontented with imperfection and it inspires us to develop our potentialities as unique individuals. (KH)