Accepting Differences Presented by Raymond Brown and Meganne Downey Clown Accepting Differences Presented by Raymond Brown and Meganne Downey RB Welcome participants to Clown: Accepting Differences Have a prop available that makes you look unexpectedly different Introduce yourself and your role at JMU Have participants introduce themselves, their position at JMU and why they took this workshop Icebreaker #2 – Am I So Different

Ice Breaker MD Ice Breaker: Diversity Word Association (10 minutes)

Objectives By the end of this workshop, you will be able to: Recognize how biases create stereotypes and barriers. Analyze the need to unlearn biased language. Classify negative outcomes of bias by filtering out the truth. Formulate ways to embrace and celebrate diversity. MD Explain objectives Explain how the workshop will be facilitated: A scene will be played Discussion Questions (Small group then large group) Follow-up activity Break at the 50 minute mark (about twice)

Introduction RB Show Introduction scene. Activity #1: Have participants discuss the scene discussion questions with their group/table. (5 minutes) Open the floor for participants to share their answers. Ask the participants: Have you ever done this? (Example: Biology Professor) Why was this wrong? Activity #2: Have groups of 3 or 4 brainstorm benefits of working in a diverse workplace then flip chart their responses. Give them Benefits of Working in a Diverse Workplace Handout

Bias, Stereotypes and Prejudice MD Play Biases, Stereotypes and Prejudice scene. Have participants go over the scene discussion questions in their group and then open the floor for discussion. Ask participants: “What do you think bias, stereotypes and prejudice mean?” Flipchart responses

Bias, Stereotypes and Prejudice Biases are feelings we express that are based on learned belief systems, values, morals and traditions we were raised with or exposed to. A stereotype occurs when we apply a bias we have against a whole group of people. Prejudice is taking this one step further, and acting upon the stereotype we hold. MD Go over slide. Explain to participants that biases: Are filters through which we see the world Create stereotypes Build barriers Can’t be masked by humor Are learned Obscure the truth Overlook credentials and qualifications Are natural It is important to remember that biases are learned, stereotypes are the application of biases to a group of people, and prejudice is taking action on stereotypes.

Racism RB Play Racism scene. Have groups discuss the scene discussion questions then open the floor for discussion.

Realities There is a stigma associated with admitting racial views Racial discrimination is a part of our nation’s history Early reactions to race often involve embarrassment, confusion and fear Discrimination continues “in this day and age” Many Americans do not identify themselves with just one race RB Go over slide Ask participants: “What concerns do you see with some of these realities on racism?” Concerns: May offend someone of another race by labeling. May react on biases and cause resentment.

Race Exercise What racial stereotyping have you experienced or witnessed “in this day and age?” What can you do to learn more about someone whose race is different from yours? How can you gain more experience interacting with people of a different race? RB Race Exercise – Getting to Know You (5 – 10 minutes) Ask if anybody wants to share their responses

Cultural Diversity RB Play Cultural Diversity scene. Have participants discuss the scene discussion questions and open the floor for discussion. Activity: Have groups of 3 or 4 brainstorm ways to increase their comfort in working in racially diverse workplaces. Share answers.

Language MD Play Language scene. Have participants answer the discussion questions and open the floor for discussion.

Language Realities There is a close connection between a person’s primary language and their ethnicity. The more different one’s native language and culture, the longer it takes to learn the new language and culture. Discrimination based on language is treated the same as racial discrimination. Can’t force employees to speak only English unless there is a real business necessity. MD Go over slide. Concerns: They don’t understand their language. They feel excluded when their peers use a language other than English. The workplace would be more efficient if we all spoke the same language. They will only learn English if they are forced to use English! Ask participants: “What are ways to communicate with English-as-a-second language Co-workers?” Flipchart responses.

Expectations MD Play Expectations scene. Ask participants: “What are your thoughts on some of the expectations/final thoughts these individuals mention?” Expectations

Conclusion Now you will be able to: Recognize how biases create stereotypes and barriers. Analyze the need to unlearn biased language. Classify negative outcomes of bias by filtering out the truth. Formulate ways to embrace and celebrate diversity.

Questions?

JMU’s Diversity Statement and Mission James Madison University has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity, inclusion and to maintaining a work and learning environment that is free of all forms of discrimination. As a result, the institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and veteran status. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the office of Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991. To assist and lead in creating an inclusive environment for Faculty, Staff and Students.