What is Diversity? What is Inclusion? PART 1 OF 2

Transcription

1 What is Diversity? What is Inclusion? PART 1 OF 2

2 Session Objectives Introduction to Diversity and Inclusion Discuss the Barriers to a Diverse Workplace Bridging the Gap

3 What is Diversity? Diversity can be defined as any collective mixture characterized by differences, similarities, and related tensions and complexities. Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. Chief Executive Officer, Roosevelt Thomas Consulting & Training. Webster defines Diversity as the condition of having or being composed of differing elements : variety; especially : the inclusion of different types of people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization. My Definition of Diversity: the infinite number of similarities and differences which when effectively fostered and cultivated make a company, school or business a more effective and inclusive work environment. How would define Diversity?

4 Primary and Secondary Dimensions of Diversity Education Work/Thinking Style Family Status Geographic Location Age Sexual Orientation Gender Ethnic Heritage Military Experience Disability Race Communication Style Organizational Role and Level Socioeconomic Status Work Experience Religion First Language 4

5 Why is Diversity Important Diversity at FGCU is important for several reasons: A University that fosters a diverse working and learning environment provides the most enriching educational environment for its students. Increases the efficacy in which we work and learn. Allows faculty, staff and students to better serve each other. Understanding individuals who are different than you is key in establishing and maintaining good peer relationships.

6 What is Inclusion? When every member of the workforce feels as though their input and qualities are valued. Where no one is discriminated against based on their race, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender identification, etc. Taking intentional steps to embrace the similarities and differences that we all have.

7 Why is Inclusion Important???? When staff, faculty, and students feel an inclusive environment, they are more prone to be engaged in achieving the goals of their Department, Office, College, etc. An engaged environment is a more productive and creative work environment. Inclusion goes past the measurable of numbers. Inclusion is about helping to make sure that doors and minds are open to all at FGCU.

8 What are the Barriers to a Diverse and Inclusive Campus?????

9 BIAS A Bias is a strict belief or assumption made about a person or a group of people based on one s beliefs about the group to which the person belongs. Bias can be intentional or unintentional Bias can be about a group of people s (perceived) positive or negative characteristics Bias, if realized, is the starting point to being a more diverse community

10 Examples of Bias People over the age 60 are not good with computers All Asian people are good at math Only members from Fraternity X get in trouble All New Yorkers are rude All Faculty Members are All Students are

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12 Why Should We Recognize our Biases? Recognizing we all have bias is important for each of us. After your bias is recognized, you can begin to understand what causes it and take steps to eliminate it. Biases stop us from evaluating people on their individual character, abilities, beliefs, work ethic etc. Identifying and eliminating our biases will allow us to open our minds to a different way of thinking.

13 Questions to Ask Yourself About Bias Am I judging (or not interacting) with a person based on a bias I have? Am I mature enough to make a decision about someone based solely on their talents, personality, character, work ethic? Can I have an uncomfortable conversation with someone that is different than me? Do I have the courage to speak up when I hear intolerant language such as racial slurs and epithets?

14 MYTHS ABOUT DIVERSITY and INCLUSION

15 Myths related to Diversity and Inclusion White males do not care about diversity. The only people who benefit from an inclusive workplace are minorities and women. Having an inclusive environment means a complete overhaul of everything I like about FGCU. Increasing diversity means giving jobs to people who are not qualified to have them. Since the law prohibits discrimination we don t need to talk about diversity or inclusion.

16 How to Address Myths Treat people as individuals and not members of a group. Assume good intentions when meeting a new colleague rather than jumping to a conclusion based on a bias belief. If you don t know, ask! Approach individuals with an open mind. Educate yourselves about different religions, ethnicities, etc.

17 Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Diversity/Inclusion EEO laws are designed to prohibit discrimination and harassment. These laws (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments, and Age Discrimination in Employment Act) collectively prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identification/expression and age). FGCU s Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy extends the same protections to sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, and genetic predisposition. While important, these laws do not in and of themselves increase diversity or inclusion.

18 EEO AA D&I Eliminates discrimination in HR policies and practices Provides equal access and opportunity Targets outreach to underutilized groups Helps prevent discrimination Inclusive of all groups Broader than ethnicity, race and gender Legally mandated Legally mandated Business necessity gives workforce trends Not legally mandated Source: University of California at Berkeley HR

19 How Can Faculty and Staff at FGCU Bridge the Gap?

20 HAVE RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER

21 SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD Stephen R. Covey

22 Begin to Bridge the Gap Acknowledge each other in meetings, the office, during lunch, etc. Reach out to individuals of all backgrounds in assistance with a problem. Remember that, although we ALL have biases, we control how much (or little) they affect us. Judge individuals based upon your interaction with them. Remember that true diversity is embracing ALL types of differences between each other.

23 Special Quotes About Diversity An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ultimately, America's answer to the intolerant man is diversity. Robert Kennedy We see the world, not as it is, but as we are or, as we are conditioned to see it Stephen R. Covey We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Without diversity life would be very boring. Catherine Pulsifer

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