Module 2: Understanding and Addressing Systemic Racism
Outcomes
- Gain a deeper understanding of systemic racism.
- Learn how some students experience racism, and the impact of those experiences.
- Consider how interactions with students can change to better support students who experience racism.
Overview
To effectively support students, it is important to understand the impact of systemic racism on our American institutions, and our students as people who are striving to succeed and overcome barriers that may hinder their quest for an education. People working across campuses, in every capacity, can contribute to the adoption of practices that can mitigate the impact of racism on students. Some who view these resources will have experienced racism in deeply personal ways. Some may feel uncomfortable.
As people who work with college and university students, we have a responsibility to not only have empathy for our students, but to also adopt anti-racist practices that help to ensure more equitable outcomes for all students.
The content in this module can help users:
- Understand the concept of systemic racism.
- Recognize how systemic racism may impact students’ experiences.
- Become better at recognizing ways to address systemic racism in day-to-day interactions with students.
- Consider how to modify business office processes, communications, and interactions with a commitment to anti-racism.
Tips for Using This Module
- Group Meetings and Staff Training: Select and share videos that support your goals during staff meetings. Use the Featured Video Worksheet (below) with groups, or as an individual.
- Onboarding New Staff: Integrate resources into onboarding materials for new hires.
- Individual Professional Development: Provide access to resources to staff to support their personal learning goals and professional growth.
