Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on Campus
Training is Performative, Education is Transformative
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, colleges and universities across the country have enthusiastically embraced training as a tool to promote racial justice. These trainings go by different names, including “sensitivity training,” “diversity training” and “antiracism training.”
Here are some things training is good for: customer service, Excel and CPR. Some things it’s not good for? Diversity, equity and inclusion.
In this engaging animated video, Amna Khalid and Jeff Snyder explain why training is no substitute for education when it comes to campus DEI initiatives.
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Excellent, concise video. This is why I am a paying subscriber to Banished (and Booksmart Studios in general) and share its content frequently with my co-workers and friends.
Point four in the comparisons between "training" and "education" is vital: "Having to say something" vs. "Having something to say". This gets at the heart of why DEI training sessions tend to fail: compelled speech is not the same as struggling thoughtfully with a concept. "Performative" vs. "Transformative", as noted in point ten.
Can diversity training include education? In diversity training at my workplace, I learned about microaggressions. It was educational and helpful.