Resource Guide
A working group out of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion has assembled this guide to support members of the MSU community in the learning and consciousness-raising process. The questions below are meant to guide self-reflection, discussion with others, and processing of these complex topics. This is neither a complete nor perfect guide. It is an invitation to what will be an ongoing conversation within our community. Please know that we will be expanding these resources and we invite you to submit additional resource recommendations. We hope you find them useful, and that you will continue the journey with us.
1 and 2. Recognizing Identity and Self-Location & Developing an Equity-Oriented Consciousness
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION:
- How have I learned about racism, privilege, and my own identities?
- What do I not know or understand about racism?
- Where does racial injustice come from and who does it impact most?
- Why is racial injustice so entrenched and intransigent?
- What are my motivations for developing an equity-oriented consciousness?
- How can I find my voice to speak up about racial injustice, even if I am uncomfortable?
- What resources exist to support students, faculty, and staff at MSU who experience discrimination?
RESOURCES FOR DEVELOPING CONSCIOUSNESS:
- National Museum of African American History and Culture “Talking about Race” Portal : website with guided activities, mainstream resources and scholarly articles to explore, videos, and clear descriptions of key concepts and issues by leading scholars of color
- Confronting Prejudice: How to Protect Yourself and Help Others: Guide developed by Pepperdine University about prejudice, stereotypes, and effective ways to respond and provide support.
- Being Antiracist : National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Summary of Stages of Racial Identity Development : Models of identity development.
- Coping with Racial Trauma : a resource guide created by MSU Counseling and Psychological Services to support students, staff, and faculty.
- MSU Diversity and Inclusion Development Workshops : series of trainings available to students, staff, and faculty to expand their awareness, knowledge, and skills related to diversity and inclusion to promote personal and professional growth.
- MSU Office of Institutional Equity: dedicated to ensuring an environment of non-discrimination and equal opportunity in MSU’s education programs and employment opportunities in compliance with state and federal laws.
3. Desiring to Create Change
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION:
- How do issues of racial injustice personally impact me?
- Where do my strengths/skills lie?
- What are areas where I see the need for change?
- What have racial justice activists locally and nationally already been doing?
RESOURCES FOR CREATING CHANGE:
- Antiracism Resources : a list of resources compiled by Good Good Good and adapted from the Antiracism Google Doc compiled by Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein.
- Scaffolded Anti-Racist Resources : a useful guide with the stated goal “to facilitate growth for white folks to become allies, and eventually accomplices for anti-racist work.” Created by Anna Stamborski, M. Div Candidate, Nikki Zimmermann, M. Div candidate, Bailie Gregory, M. Div, M.S. Ed.
- White Allyship 101: Resources to Get to Work : The Dismantle Collective is a “person of color-led group of Certified B Corps” whose goal is “to name, disrupt, and dismantle white supremacy.” They have developed the following guide to help define and unpack white allyship. The guide includes a helpful list of resources.
4. Committing to Equity-Oriented Action
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION:
- How do I learn the history and the language of antiracism?
- How do I take greater responsibility by productively speaking out when I witness someone saying or doing something racist?
- How do I take responsibility in my teaching and professional spaces?
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How can I revise my course syllabi and teaching practices to center minoritized experiences and voices?
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How do I support the work that racial justice groups in my community, state, and country are already doing?
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What is one action I can take today?
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What is one longer-term goal for action I can commit to?
RESOURCES FOR TAKING ACTION:
- Act Blue Charities : a useful list for those who want to donate to organizations but are not sure what to prioritize.
- Anguish and Action : a list of resources to help individuals get involved within their communities compiled by The Obama Foundation.
- Beyond the Hashtag: How to Take Anti-Racist Action in Your Life : an overview with collected resources and tips from Teen Vogue, one of the more radical online publications for teens (or anyone!) today.
- Campaign Zero : a site providing clear overviews of responses to police violence at the policy and citizen levels as well as extensive research/resources to explore for more information.
- Equal Justice Initiative – Get Involved : a list of resources compiled by Bryan Stevenson’s Equal Justice Initiative to help individuals take action for criminal justice reform and racial justice.
- Facing History and Ourselves: teaching resources to heighten students’ understanding of racism, religious intolerance, and prejudice
- Institutionalized Racism: A Syllabus : a resource for helping students understand institutionalized racism
- Reading for Racial Justice : a collection of antiracist books made available online from The University of Minnesota Press through August 31, 2020
- Ways You Can Help : a quick resource hub for actions you can take
MSU ORGANIZATIONS
- African Student Association
- American Indian Council
- Asian Student Interracial Association (A.S.I.A.)
- Black Student Union
- Fuerza Latinx
- MMIWG Awareness of MSU