Tag: White privilege

African-American

John A. Logan College Cancels Diversity Events, Citing Fear of Trump’s Recent Executive Order

John A. Logan College canceled all planned diversity activities last week, citing concerns that the school could lose federal funding if it violates President Donald Trump’s Sept. 22 executive order, which prohibits workforce diversity trainings that are “offensive and anti-American race and sex stereotyping and scapegoating,” FOX 28 reported. According to college officials, they “will […]

October 6, 2020

Opinion

Why Do I Have to Call You Doctor?

On the first day of class I introduce myself using my formal title and ask all student to respect that request. You often see some students have a sense of confusion and bewilderment as the general culture in the Pacific Northwest is laid back and less formal. Based on informal conversations with colleagues and friends, some of them have suggested that some people may think that I may be arrogant, on some ego trip, or maybe masking some deep sense of insecurity. But it is interesting that many White peers, colleagues, and students don’t take the time to think about it from my perspective. It never occurs to them that I may approach my interactions with them as a professor differently because I am a Black man.

August 25, 2020

Social Justice

Pitt Diversity Forum Brings Together Higher Ed Stakeholders to Confront Systemic Racism

Over 12,000 educators and students around the world convened virtually this week to participate in the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion forum titled, “Advancing Social Justice: A Call to Action.”

July 30, 2020

African-American

Proposing a Concept of the Black Tax to Understand the Experiences of Blacks in America

The protests occurring in many cities in America to call attention to the systemic racism in society has provoked us to critically reflect on our experiences as Black men in this country. This cathartic process has led us to believe that as African Americans we are involuntarily mandated to pay a “Black tax.” This term is not new. In fact, it has been primarily associated with a family member who has advanced to a high socioeconomic status and who provides monetary support to other family members. Some have used this term to underscore the ways in which discrimination has impacted the financial standing of African Americans. Our conceptualization of the Black tax differs from the ways it has been used previously.

July 6, 2020

African-American

A Letter to George Floyd

I do not know at a biological or emotional level what it is like to be Black. White privilege was my birthright. Poverty, and homosexuality, and a propensity toward obesity were equally my birthright, and I have experienced prejudice for all of those reasons. Still, I do not pretend to know what it feels like to be racially profiled or to know that my ancestors were violently separated from their homeland and brought in chains to serve people whose race is the same as mine.

June 2, 2020

Opinion

‘Go Back to Your Country’ A Direct Threat to US Higher Education

U.S. academic institutions need to fight messages of hate and bigotry, and engage in an open conversation across their communities about racism and xenophobia that seem to be escalating in certain circles of the American society.

August 20, 2019

Opinion

The Impact of Whiteness on Higher Education Hiring

Many African-Americans grow up knowing that you must be “twice as good to get half as far.” I think that this structure and forced frame of thought is embedded with racism. Why aren’t there opportunities available for everyone based on your own merit and your qualifications for the role? The system of higher education is wired to promote those with a closer proximity to Whiteness while at the same time creating a barrier for men and women alike who look like me.

August 14, 2019

Opinion

What if Western Illinois’ Jack Thomas Were White or Asian?

As a lonely adjunct, a Filipino American teaching at a state school, I am but a wee voice in higher ed. But what if I were Jack Thomas at Western Illinois University, the school’s very first Black president?

June 17, 2019

Opinion

Moving from Ally to Accomplice: How Far Are You Willing to Go to Disrupt Racism in the Workplace?

Regardless of your profession, we have all been there – having a conversation with a White colleague about the daily microagressions or blatant racism that we endure as people of color in the workplace. From having our credentials constantly questioned and diminished, being overlooked for promotion, and ignored in meetings; to enduring comments such as “You’re a credit to your race,” “You speak English really well,” and “You’re so articulate” – people of color receive more than their fair share of daily microaggressive comments and blatant insults when on the job.

March 4, 2019

News Roundup

White-Privilege Workshop at University of Iowa Canceled

A White-privilege workshop that was scheduled to be held at the University of Iowa (UI) later this month has been canceled after stakeholders addressed concerns about the workshop. The university has held similar events in the past, however this workshop was planned by staff, faculty and a committee of students with help from the Diversity […]

February 6, 2019

Latest News

College Retreat Examines White Identity

During the 2018-19 school year, the University of Vermont (UVM) will host a three-day weekend retreat that specifically targets White students in order to discuss topics such as privilege, inclusivity and racism.

July 6, 2018

Asian American Pacific Islander

Being a Tourist is Not the Same as Being a Minority

I recently returned from China. I spent the summer teaching American law, in English. As a Chinese American, I must confess one of the most annoying statements that White Americans make is that, after they have been a tourist overseas, they understand what it is like to be a minority back home.

July 5, 2018