We can only improve and see change in our work by bringing others along and working together.
Sometimes it is Hard to Recognize Our Privilege.
As an African American male in a predominately white profession and campus community, it can be easy to always speak from an underrepresented or underprivileged place. However, I have to be mindful that I come from an educated family, I’m physically able-bodied, I’m a male, a Christian, my first language is English, and I was born in this country.
Let’s check our biases at the door, or at least be aware of them.
Ever participated in an implicit association activity or test? They tend to show that we make connections much more quickly between pairs of ideas that are already related in our minds than we do between pairs of ideas that are unfamiliar to us. However, just because something may be unfamiliar doesn’t mean that the association doesn’t exist. Let’s not assume a family doesn’t have means to make an education at your institution feasible. Let’s not assume because someone has served on a committee (or hasn’t) that it means they are more or less capable. Let’s not approach the situation as though everyone has equitable opportunity for positions or experiences. Let’s not assume that our Code of Ethics and Professional Practices is the only ethical framework that keeps us focused on the students we aim to serve.
Let’s also be mindful of our perspectives. As a person who is very passionate about leadership, I can easily narrow my lens on who I think is a leader or who is demonstrating leadership qualities. We are all unique individuals, thus we seek different qualities and offer different perspectives. The truth is, there isn’t one model of leadership, there are alternatives and variations. We have to approach challenges or situations with an open mind and be willing to listen to other perspectives. Regardless of how long one has been in the profession or served in a position, we never stop being a sponge. There is so much information and education to soak up.
In How to Be an Inclusive Leader, diversity and inclusion expert Jennifer Brown confirms that “pushing to address root causes and biased practices does not come without risk. And risk goes up when you become more public, moving from awareness, to action, to advocacy.” As we continue to navigate uncharted territory, let’s continue to challenge ourselves to move from awareness to actionable ways to find solutions and to advocate for appropriate change. Let’s think critically about how we approach and communicate with one another. Let’s pause and take time to respond to each other with respect and sincere care to understand the perspectives of others while still holding people accountable.
Whether we are trying to assist prospective students, supporting colleagues in their professional growth, or seeking systemic change, we have to be able to sit side-by-side to navigate the new future together. We can only improve and see change in our work by bringing others along and working together. We can only come together if we are willing to sit down at the same table. And we can only come to that table and navigate challenges if we are willing to be vulnerable, to listen, and be aware of our own privilege and bias.
NACAC Board Director Delorean Menifee is director of admission at Butler University (IN).