I see your point about diversity within as opposed to hiring international individuals, but what you are talking about is immigration related problems in hiring (I understand that it is a larger issue dictated by the government) and not necessarily diversity related (but we can keep our fingers crossed and hope that this eases up).

Nice subject for your blog! I have commonly had this conversation with people in the 'majority' as well. I see the problem come up with languages, such as with Spanish speaking in the US or with international students having thick accents when teaching in the US. Some people will say Spanish speakers must learn English! Thats the language we speak here. Or Indian TAs much change to an American accent to help their students understand them. I think that an equal effort from both sides helps. Natives must try to be understanding in addition to visitors trying to adapt. This is similar to what you are saying with writing styles!

Open your minds people!

Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance. What you are talking about is diversity for the sake of diversity. Diversity is about quantity. Inclusion is about QUALITY. Diversity in itself should never be the goal, if the classroom environment is not inviting, fair, and respectful, diversity will never thrive.

I think you raise a great question ! I agree that self awareness/reflection is really important and this should be a constant process. I really believe that there is no way we can ever have 100 % control over anything or prevent anything completely. I think what is more important is what we do as a result of certain biases or prejudices when they happen.

Ayesha’s blog answers your question pretty well (http://blogs.lt.vt.edu/yousafzai/2015/10/12/know-your-biases/). I think that you’re spot on when you say awareness is key. Also, keeping yourself educated is important too – educate yourself on the needs of others that you might not have considered (privilege).

Thanks to you now I will think twice before wearing seat belts (lol kidding) . Anyway, I do think providing the definitions was a brilliant idea as it allows the reader to know the differences between each of these terms (I know way tooooo many people who either don’t know these terms or they mix them up- also thanks for explaining implicit and explicit bias- as i mention that in my blog as well). I also liked that you brought it back to the classroom and gave some great pointers on what to do (an important aspect you mention “I” statement, not a “You” statement is something I try to do with my friends and with students I interact with). Great Post :)

Excellent and concise piece. I completely agree with your three aspects of inclusive behavior. I really like your first point to “be reflective” – that requires constant awareness and attention. That means constantly evaluating and recognizing your biases and being aware of them when you go into the classroom. I’m not able to watch the TED talk yet, but I’m looking forward to it.

I’m interested in how you define “equal” treatment. Does that mean equal pay, equal stats, equal job security, equal evaluation for promotion and tenure, etc? I think it is nice to say that research and teaching faculty should be treated equally, but in terms of actual practice, what does that look like in your mind? They are doing different tasks, so literal “equal” treatment (however defined) is likely not possible or even appropriate. Furthermore, even across fields professors of the same type are treated differently in terms of pay, expectations, and so on. Another thing to consider is the institution type as well, as treatment of the different faculty types will be different at a small, technical college (for example) compared to a large, liberal arts school (for instance).

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I’m interested in how you define “equal” treatment. Does that mean equal pay, equal stats, equal job security, equal evaluation for promotion and tenure, etc? I think it is nice to say that research and teaching faculty should be treated equally, but in terms of actual practice, what does that look like in your mind? They are doing different tasks, so literal “equal” treatment (however defined) is likely not possible or even appropriate. Furthermore, even across fields professors of the same type are treated differently in terms of pay, expectations, and so on. Another thing to consider is the institution type as well, as treatment of the different faculty types will be different at a small, technical college (for example) compared to a large, liberal arts school (for instance).

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Hi Sihui, I have been hearing that the issue of diversity will become an issue after the grad school, since the Academia is way more “educated” on this issue. Looking for internships for next year, I can definitely feel what they meant and what you’re mentioning here. There is a long way to walk through..