America's Racial History
What is the name of the boat which brought to the colony which is now Massachusetts?
Mayflower
Define inclusive language:
It is communication style that seeks to honor and respect diverse identities and experiences, promoting equality and avoiding bias?
What is implicit bias?
Implicit biases are negative association that people unknowingly hold. They are expressed automatically, without conscious awareness.
What does DEI stand for?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
What form of communication should we be aiming for?
Dialogue
What regime is responsible for the genocide which led many Cambodians to immigrate to Amherst?
Khmer Rouge
What is wrong with this statement: How are you guys doing?
""You guys" is not inclusive. Genderless language is inclusive to everyone.
How can an individual prevent bias?
- Identify your bias
- Expand your social and professional circle
- See something, say something
What does MEI stand for?
Merit, Excellence, and Intellect
What is the difference in purpose between debate, dialoge, and discussion?
In debate we try to succeed or win.
In discussion we try to present ideas.
In dialogue we try to broaden our perspective.
What does the abbreviation NAACP stand for?
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Which option is more inclusive and person-centered? A) Epileptic
B) Person who has epilepsy
C) An epileptic person
People first language!
B) Person who has epilepsy
Why should you use a rubric or assessment tool in the hiring process?
This allows for the standardization of the evaluation process, ensuring that all candidates are judged based on the same skills.
What is one criticism of DEI?
DEI training efforts are ineffective
DEI efforts impede freedom of speechand expression
DEI has been criticized for not focusingon antisemitism
DEI is sometimes labeled identitypolitics
DEI efforts sometimes cause abacklash for people fromunderrepresented groups , DEI hire vsmerit hire
Violent words escalate to violent actions. It’s a combination of feeling the other side is less than human and calling for or approving violence. What level of the Dignity index is this?
Level 1
What was the belief that the expansion of the United States across the continent was justified and inevitable called?
Manifest Destiny
What are the benefits of using plain language?
- Clear Understanding and Accessibility
- Efficiency and Cost Savings
- Trust and Engagement
- Usability and Accessibility
What is Similarity Bias?
“Similarity bias” might lead us to hire candidates who share our background, inadvertently excluding diverse talents.
What is one criticism of MEI?
Perpetuates bias
Narrowly defines merit
Excellence and Intellect are used subjectively
Does not take into account systemic barriers
Ignores history of discrimination
Reinforces a myth that success dependent on individual effort.
The Dignity Index scores distinct phrases along an eight-point scale from contempt to dignity. Lower scores (1-4) reflect divisive language while higher scores (5-8) reflect language grounded in dignity.
What year did Puerto Rican residents gain the right to vote in presidential elections?
Trick question, they can't vote in presidential elections!
Why should we use universal phrases in communicating? (Ex: "Let's return to this later" instead of "let's put this in the back burner.")
Idioms, jargon, and acronyms can create barriers for those unfamiliar with a particular field, culture, or generation. Choosing straightforward, accessible phrases ensures everyone can fully participate in the conversation.
There are 10 essential recommendations for more equitable interviews. Identify at least 4:
1. Standardize the Process
2. Use Behavior-Based Questions
3. Assess DEI Competencies
4. Incorporate Skills-Based Assessments
5. Apply a Structured Scoring Rubric
6. Build Diverse Interview Panels
7. Provide Bias Awareness Training
8. Allow Adequate Time for Evaluation
9. Foster Psychological Safety
10. Ensure Transparency in Selection
Is MEI or DEI older?
MEI (230 BC)
What are the core beliefs of the Dignity index?
Contempt causes division, dignity eases division.
If we put a spotlight on dignity and contempt, we will use more dignity and less contempt.
If we show Americans how they can help ease our divisions, they will jump on it.