The CEILS Becoming an Anti-racist Educator (B.A.A.E) Conversations encourages honest and vulnerable dialogue around the unpracticed conversations about race and racism. These conversations create space for discussion of one’s own racial identity development, understanding the implications of our racial identities and other social identities in our academic learning environments (e.g., classroom, clinic/laboratory, meetings etc.), and action planning. Overall, the goal is to cultivate an environment and practice that celebrates identity and culture while still identifying and working together against inequitable systems.
The format of these discussions are 1 hour sessions, either on Zoom or in-person, and combine short lecture style material and in-person small group discussions. Participants are provided with handouts, pens, and a link to a digital copy of handouts and resources.
A more detailed description of the conversation topics are below.
1.0 Exploring Identity, Privilege, & Culture
Participants will reflect on their own identity, privilege, and culture and how it impacts the classroom and other learning environments in which they and their students coexist. This conversation creates a shared foundation in understanding and language for the other conversations around anti-racism we offer.
2.0 (pre-req 1.0): Taking Anti-racist Action: Microaggressions
Participants will explore the root causes of microaggressions and the narratives they perpetuate. They will also take some time to practice with peers (role-play) interrupting microaggressions and considering how they might be an ally in different contexts. (Note: this conversation does not discuss how to respond if you are the target of a microaggression, but we do offer opt-in/opt-out options for this activity). Finally, participants consider their response if they commit a microaggression and how to apologize and take accountability.
Part 3 options depending on departmental needs
(pre-req 1.0): 3.0 Taking Anti-racist Action: From Inclusive to Anti-racist pedagogy
Participants will discuss and identify strategies they want to implement to create a more anti-racist climate in their learning environment (e.g., policy and engagement, building in flexibility, cultural joy). With feedback and assistance from facilitators and peers, participants will apply what they’ve learned to create an action plan or modify a current action plan for taking anti-racist action. The overarching goal of this session is to walk away with a step in their plan that can be implemented within the next 3-6 months.
(pre-req 1.0 & 2.0): 3.1 Strategies for Engaging in Conversations about Racism
Participants will identify and discuss the fundamentals of facilitation and strategies to facilitate unpracticed conversations about racism. They will then apply these strategies to a case study example to practice facilitation with their peers, with an opportunity to discuss challenges and solutions. Finally, participants will commit to an action that they would like to take in the next 3 months to improve their facilitation skills, with the option of CEILS support and follow up.
(pre-req 3.1): 3.2 Engaging in a Community of Practice for Facilitating Conversations about Racism
Participants will practice facilitating a group of their peers in conversations that directly pertain to racism/antiracism. During this process participants will practice guided feedback strategies to help each other improve their skills and knowledge. Finally, participants will commit to an action that they would like to take in the next 3 months to improve their facilitation skills, with the option of CEILS support and follow up.
(pre-req 1.0): 3.3 Taking Anti-racist Action Using Justice Principles in approaching Design
Participants will learn about design justice theory and its synergy with anti-racism. They will then critically examine what a design justice approach could look like in system design, curriculum, clinic/patient care, meeting structure, and other spaces in which they are leaders or contribute to leadership. Participants will identify challenges and brainstorm solutions specific for their particular use of design justice principles and leave with actionable next steps.