On October 18,
2018, Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences hosted
A Campus of Difference™, a training program created and presented by the
Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The
program provides participants with “knowledge and skills needed to effectively
interact in a culturally diverse campus environment”. The half-day program was
held for administrators in the morning and for faculty in the afternoon.
The
facilitators were very skilled at setting the tone for a safe space. We had
large group, small group and individual discussions with creative activities
that allowed us to openly and safely voice our perceptions of ourselves and
others. We had a chance to imagine how our lives would be different if we woke
up with a new identity – one that would be challenging and vulnerable to bias
and stereotyping. The program comes with an excellent resource and activity
workbook that will help us sustain the momentum of the in-person program. The
sensitive issues that came to light were very relevant to our daily lives and,
importantly, as professors who play an important role in modeling respect for
differences and valuing inclusion.
I highly
recommend that you explore your university’s willingness to host the ADL’s A
Campus of Difference™. You can contact the ADL at www.adl.org/education
or call 212-885-7964.
Michelle Brill
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