Many universities message extensively around their commitments about diversity, equity, and inclusion. These institutional assertions are often called into question, though, by the stories of members of the higher education community who continue to face marginalization and othering within their professional and educational spaces. This session centers around an embodied case study depicting one woman’s reflections on her experiences of higher education and her interactions with a range of systems that sent a persistent message that she didn’t belong, that she would never truly be a part of her university community. Through session activities, participants will consider how these messages manifest and why they continue to occur despite the extensive labor of individuals sincerely committed to advancing equity.
Learning objectives:
- Encourage participants to reflect upon and analyze messaging around DEI at universities.
- Reflect on the nuances of university messaging that creates a sense of exclusion in underrepresented students.
- Participants will consider how these messages manifest and why they continue to occur despite the extensive labor of individuals sincerely committed to advancing equity.
The theatrical portion of this session contains strong language. It includes explicit descriptions of racist and classist behaviors and the impact of systemic inequities on individuals and communities.
This workshop is designed for master's students, doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows. For faculty and staff, please contact RackhamEvents@umich.edu to see if we can accommodate your attendance.
This workshop is part of the Rackham North Workshop Series although graduate students from all campuses are welcome to attend.
