Thats so gay Promoting a positive attitude to

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“That’s so gay” Promoting a positive attitude to diversity in and out of the

“That’s so gay” Promoting a positive attitude to diversity in and out of the classroom Vanessa Boon, Chartered MCIPD, Director, Energise Chartered Member, Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development EMFEC Associate © Energise 2010

Overview How can we tackle inappropriate remarks? § Our rationale § Finding the words

Overview How can we tackle inappropriate remarks? § Our rationale § Finding the words § A variety of strategies § Proactive and longer-term solutions

Starting Point § No magic answers – each situation is unique § We have

Starting Point § No magic answers – each situation is unique § We have a range of options / approaches § It can feel difficult to challenge § It’s a team effort (and not just in the classroom) § Support is important

Make A Difference Working with R. E. G. A. R. D. S Race-related –

Make A Difference Working with R. E. G. A. R. D. S Race-related – nationality, ethnicity, culture, skin colour Economic disadvantage – postcode, deprivation Gender – sex, pregnancy, gender identity Age Religion & beliefs – faith, non-believers, philosophical Disability Sexual orientation – incl civil partnership

Why? What are the benefits and reasons for challenging learners’ remarks?

Why? What are the benefits and reasons for challenging learners’ remarks?

Responses To Dominance WITHDRAW Remove themselves ACQUIESCE Give in / go along RESIST Fight

Responses To Dominance WITHDRAW Remove themselves ACQUIESCE Give in / go along RESIST Fight / assert themselves Leave the room Call in sick Avoid the people Quit the course Ride with the jokes Bite your lip / try to ‘fit in’ Don’t rock the boat Confront it Challenge the myth / basis Question / provoke thought Assert values

Ask why? Humour Give stats Assert values Myth-busting facts Seek empathy Responding to remarks

Ask why? Humour Give stats Assert values Myth-busting facts Seek empathy Responding to remarks Highlight impact If it were you… Point to role models Did you know…? Tell me more Challenge inaccuracies

Assertiveness & CUDSA Assertiveness Ingredients – • listen • demonstrate that you understand •

Assertiveness & CUDSA Assertiveness Ingredients – • listen • demonstrate that you understand • say what you think and feel • say specifically what you want to happen • work out joint solutions and consequences CUDSA – Confront the issue Understand one another’s position Define the problem / issue Search for a solution Agree a resolution

Responses to Challenge 1. “I wouldn’t say it to / in front of…” 2.

Responses to Challenge 1. “I wouldn’t say it to / in front of…” 2. “It’s only a joke / bit of banter” 3. “Political correctness gone mad / can’t say anything” 4. “What about freedom of speech? ” 5. “I’m entitled to my opinions” 6. “They use that word so it’s ok” 7. “I’m not stereotyping, I’ve seen it for myself” 8. “But this is my religious belief” 9. “They don’t mind, they think it’s funny” 10. “I don’t care if they don’t like it” 11. “Everyone agrees with me”

Objectives Example from Exeter University guide on challenging remarks Short-term: § to lay down

Objectives Example from Exeter University guide on challenging remarks Short-term: § to lay down a marker, indicating that we have heard the joke or comment and noticed its racial / homophobic, etc overtones § to challenge inaccuracies underlying the joke or comment (e. g. myths, stereotypes) § to make it clear that we find such jokes / comments inappropriate, particularly in the University / the world of work Longer term: § to educate about equality, the damage of discrimination and the benefits of equality and diversity…

Infusing Inclusion Exeter University guidance on challenging exclusion: “Weave anti-discrimination practice and inclusive thinking

Infusing Inclusion Exeter University guidance on challenging exclusion: “Weave anti-discrimination practice and inclusive thinking into your own teaching. The best way to challenge [racism, sexism, homophobia, etc] in the long term, is by creating opportunities to expose it for what it is – based on anger, misinformation, prejudice, habit and inaccuracies – and to build a different way of thinking and viewing the world”

Multi-cultural texts and materials Diverse role models – staff, guest speakers, mentors, videos, trips

Multi-cultural texts and materials Diverse role models – staff, guest speakers, mentors, videos, trips Diverse historical / wellknown figures Embed the Diversity calendar Infusing Inclusion Myth-busting opportunities Enrichment Harness current programme affairs & SU campaigns Job swaps / guest inputs Homework and on other lessons coursework projects

Start doing… Do more of… Stop doing… Brief… Celebrate… Introduce… Visit… Your Next Steps

Start doing… Do more of… Stop doing… Brief… Celebrate… Introduce… Visit… Your Next Steps Consult on… Learn about… Change… Pilot… Raise… Challenge… Speak up about…

Make A Difference! If you always do What you always did You will always

Make A Difference! If you always do What you always did You will always get What you always got If you want something to change, you have to change something www. energise. biz Thank-you