Anti-Racism Workshops

(Racial) Microaggressions

This workshop will provide an overview of how (Racial) Microaggressions are the enacted form of Implicit Biases. We will explore the internal dilemma victims experience; the types of racial microaggressions; their hidden messages; offenders’ typical responses and stated intent; the impact on injured party; and what one can do to mitigate the offenses. 

Prior to the course, or during the course, participants will be asked to take time to recall an experience you have had as an individual (or as a bystander); describe what happened; what made it a microaggression; what was the hidden message; and what did you do? By doing this, the participants will have an opportunity to reflect upon how their own experience with microaggressions informs their roles in academia.


Additionally, participants are required to review the following Implicit Bias video series from UCLA:

Power & (White) Privilege

Prerequisite:  Implicit Bias & Racial Microaggression workshops  

This workshop will provide an overview of how USA Power and Privilege operate in our daily lives. We will begin with a review of the wealth distribution and who has authority and control over rules that direct us. We will explore some of the historical events that cemented generational advantages and differences between people of color and whites. We will discuss how being part of the majority white culture is seen as “the normal” and thus individuals are granted “the benefit of doubt.”  Lastly, we will look at how disadvantage and oppression are the other side of privilege; and end with a working definition of racism.

What Does it mean to be an Anti-Racist? (Advanced/Dialogue)

Prerequisite:  Working knowledge of Implicit Bias, (Racial) Microaggressions + workshop on Power & (White) Privilege – must be prepared to discuss in a ‘brave’ space.

This workshop starts with a review that “race” is a social and political concept; not really a scientific or biological concept.  We will briefly review how “racism” evolved and what our working definition of “racism” is.  We will look at “why now?” – what has been the convergence or confluence of events leading to this time in our history? What is the difference between being an ally versus a co-conspirator? If we believe that racism is institutionalized or systemic, what actual acts would anti-racism entail?

Navigating Difficult DEI Discussions & Situations (Advanced/Dialogue)

Preferred prerequisite:  Racial Microaggressions and Power + Privilege Workshop

We each enter the academy with our own histories, biases, and worldviews.  Our increasingly diverse campus offers us both new challenges, as well as rich opportunities, to learn and grow.  

This workshop will allow us to discuss how to create a “DEI Learning Space” within the classroom, in meetings, and within the larger campus.  Participants will learn to take advantage of openly discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion issues that matter.

Goals for this workshop:  Assist faculty, students, and staff in creating an increasingly inclusive, culturally competent, and respectful campus climate.  Help participants in navigating controversial DEI issues and potentially responding to tense moments in our complex times.  Assist participants in steering and embracing uncomfortable and/or difficult discussions as teaching and learning opportunities. Each participant will be expected to bring one example of a DEI interaction and/or a DEI scenario to discuss.

Best Practices Workshop Series

Developing a Departmental DEI Strategic Plan

The Office of the Vice Chancellor DEI is asking all of our departments to do an assessment and develop an individualized DEI Strategic Plan. (Or add to the Plan that has already been developed, since it should be a “living document” with frequent reviews.) This plan is allowing each department to review the past, present, and future; and to set forth policies, goals, measurable objectives. We have been looking at ‘best practices’ of other universities and we came up with a 6- step process as a guideline to approach this opportunity. 

You will be guided through:

  • The 6-Step Process that takes your committee from start to finish
  • Incorporate the 5 Critical Elements to be addressed; e.g., Recruitment
  • Setting SMARTER Goals 
  • Developing Strategies to meet Goals
  • Utilizing a standardized 4-Component Template to focus on each Element

Faculty Search Briefings from a DEI-Lens

This is an aspirational workshop based on best DEI practices collected from several universities.

 

image of flyer for UC Santa Barbara Faculty Search workshop with a pair of glasses on top

You will be guided through:

  • Starting with your departmental DEI strategic plan to identify the targets of your search (e.g., historically underrepresented faculty of color)
  • Reviewing Prop 209 – we do not have to be “blind”
  • Utilizing DEI encouraging/welcoming non-biased language
  • Reviewing and rating a Statement of Contributions to DEI
  • Setting up the Rules for Search Committees 
  • Assigning Roles for Search Committee members
  • Utilizing Rating Matrices

Faculty Hiring Guide (source: UCLA)

UCLA created the Implicit Bias videos series because evidence regarding implicit biases and their impact is too strong to ignore.  But implicit bias isn’t the only hurdle we must overcome. 

Our hiring guide, Searching For Excellence: Evidence-Based Strategies for Equitable and Inclusive Faculty Hiring, identifies others — ranging from structural barriers and narrow conceptions of merit, to ingroup favoritism and related biases and heuristics — and offers suggestions for how to address them.
 

DEI Discussions & Townhalls

This workshop is a brief introduction to Dialogue techniques including: 

  • Planning process prior to discussions 
  • Communication guidelines
  • Role of the Facilitator  (v. Mediator)
  • Discussion of Potential Topics relevant to your Department

This workshop will be particularly helpful for departmental Diversity Officers and Chairs of DEI Committees. Participants will be encouraged to offer Lunches with Conversation and Dinners with Dialogue, within their departments with current topics such as:  What is an Inclusive Environment and how do we Create it; What is Culture; What is Diversity; to more difficult discussions such as Why is America Awoke right now and Will it Last; and What is Free Speech v. Hate Speech? 

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