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So You Were Called Racist. Now What?
When I was called racist, I felt shattered…confused, ashamed, incompetent… Me? I mean, really. Focusing solely on my own experiences of marginalization as a woman and as a lesbian, I believed I didn’t – couldn’t – have a racist bone in my body. But the problem? Many of us are trained to have racist beliefs and attitudes. It’s as if we’re born a white slate – and everyone writes upon it. Good, bad, ugly. We think because we don’t speak racial slurs or utter comments that are outwardly offensive, we’re not racist. But we may think them – even if we never say a word. Racism can be very subtle,…
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Dismantling Racism: Tools for Student Affairs Educators on Higher Ed Live
If you’re not familiar with Higher Ed Live, let me have the pleasure of introducing you… Description from their website: The Higher Ed Live network offers viewers direct access to the best and brightest minds in education and allows viewers to share knowledge and participate in discussions around the most important issues in the industry. Higher Ed Live provides live, weekly content about admissions, advancement, marketing, student affairs, and communications to higher education professionals. Episodes feature knowledgeable hosts conducting exclusive interviews with professionals from institutions; journalists; consultants; and other thought leaders. Tackling new topics with each broadcast, we aim to foster knowledge sharing and to be a trusted source of information…
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The New Normal
In response to an interview question this morning about the needs of students of color on campuses, I said they need white administrators, faculty and staff who consistently demonstrate the competence to create inclusive campus environments for all students and to dismantle any racist policies, practices and programs that exist. And I am now remembering something I said during a panel at the ACPA 2013 Convention: “There is a new normal ~ It is no longer acceptable for student affairs staff to not demonstrate a moderate, continuously developing, level of awareness and skill around issues of equity, inclusion, and social justice.” We can no longer afford to have lower expectations…
