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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…
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Navigating Triggers
Click to read / download the article: Navigating Triggering Events
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Part 4: Infusing Diversity Into Everything We Do
“If you want to go fast, go alone; If you want to go far, go together.” African Proverb Earlier in my career as a college administrator and an organizational consultant I used to teach a wide variety of courses on various interpersonal skills (leadership development, team building, communication skills, conflict management, customer service, stress management, time management, etc.) with little or no direct reference to the issues of inclusion and diversity. As I look back I am rather appalled since today I cannot imagine teaching these topics in corporations, human service agencies, or at colleges and universities without some attention to issues of diversity and inclusion. To be fair, the…
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Part 3: Infusing Diversity and Inclusion Into Everything We Do
Most facilitators of courses and training sessions can infuse issues of diversity and inclusion to a far greater extent than they currently do. In my first two posts (below this post starting from the bottom) I explore ways to infuse diversity using the metaphor of creating a layer cake ~ starting with a solid foundation: Layer 1 Acknowledge the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all members. “Do no harm.” Encourage participants to recognize the full breadth of differences in the organization and those they serve. Begin to explore their role and responsibility in creating an inclusive organization for all members. Layer 2 Use examples and images that…
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Part 2: Infusing Diversity and Inclusion into Everything We Do
“If you see with your heart, all masks disappear.” Sufi saying Most training and educational sessions that address topics related to interpersonal skills, team dynamics, and leadership can readily apply the 2nd layer for infusing diversity and inclusion. There are two key elements in this layer: Use examples and images that shift the traditional ways of depicting people based on their Insider and Outsider group memberships. (Note: The particular terms ~ Insider/Outsider ~ may be more understandable to most participants. I also use the terms “dominant and subordinated groups,” “one-up/one-down groups” and “marginalized” or “under-represented groups” depending on the context of the session. I believe any of these terms can…
