ABSTRACT
Public administration operates in a postmodern period, a period viewed by Cunningham and Weschler (2002) as one in which traditional methods, processes, and teachings are not compatible with current constructs and realities. Orthodox (bureaucratic) public administration in both theory and practice must give way to a new model of public administration and policy in the postmodern era (Fox and Miller 1995). The postmodern era in the United States features diverse population groups led by rapidly increasing numbers of Hispanics and Latinos (of any race), AsianAmericans, African-Americans, and other racial groups (see U.S. Census Bureau 2000). Therefore, teaching public administration education in postmodern times requires the inclusion of important topics such as diversity and social equity in curricula and courses to facilitate students’ knowledge and learning about different cultures, ethnicities, and racial groups and to better prepare them to both manage and work in public organizations and deliver equitable public services in a contemporary multicultural society.
