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Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces

Designing and Building Institutional Antiracist Spaces (D-BIAS) is a course whose mission is to teach tenets of equity, anti-racism, and cultural justice and how to apply these ideas to achieve social change.

The course is aimed at educators and administrators in educational spaces, lawyers and advocates in spaces that touch civil rights, equity, and whose Institutional mission it is to achieve greater cultural equity.

The course involves creative approaches to social justice, racial justice, and advocacy while remaining open to anyone from any background who shares the same vision of the world, as social change entrepreneurs.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to Wesleyan University and Justice Equity Design's course: Designing & Building Institutional Antiracist Spaces (D-BIAS)! You are here because you are interested in more than the usual one-and-done diversity workshops. You understand, or at least suspect, that to make real change in society, we must look at the deeper roots of inequity. By taking this course, you will learn a set of tools and a framework that you can adapt to your own institution and set change in motion. You will need a notebook (online or paper and pen) so that you can record your thoughts and answer questions as you work through the course. At the end you will be ready to train others to use this methodology either on your own or in further partnership with JED. The work we are about to undertake is hard work, but ultimately, it is the most rewarding work. The world will be a better place for your contribution.

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what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines tenets of equity and anti-racism, and how to apply these concepts to effect social change

Led by instructors Jonathan Andrew Perez, who are recognized for their work in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion

Relevant for individuals aiming to effect social change, including educators, administrators, lawyers, and advocates

Focuses on the challenges of putting theoretical concepts into practice and providing actionable steps

Requires students to engage with creative approaches to social justice and advocacy

Provides opportunities for peer assessment and feedback, fostering a collaborative learning environment

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Reviews summary

Actionable framework for institutional anti-racism

According to learners, this course offers a transformative and essential framework for understanding and implementing anti-racist practices within institutions. Many praise its ability to move beyond superficial diversity workshops, delving into the deeper roots of inequity. Students highlight the actionable tools and strategies provided, making the complex topic accessible and applicable. While largely seen as groundbreaking and empowering for professionals, some find it more theoretical than practical for certain non-academic sectors or very specific needs, occasionally wishing for more diverse case studies. The lectures are insightful, and the instructor is knowledgeable, making it a powerful catalyst for change agents.

Demanding coursework with mixed feedback on peer assessment.

"The peer-assessed project really solidified my understanding."

"While beneficial, some of the peer review activities felt a bit subjective."

"The workload surprisingly heavy for a self-paced course. The 'notebook' prompts and extensive readings required significant time commitment."

"The core lectures and readings are strong, but the interactive components could be refined to ensure consistent quality."

Often praised for educational contexts, less direct for others.

"My main feedback would be for more diverse case studies, perhaps from different sectors beyond education, to make it universally applicable."

"It seemed very geared towards large educational institutions. While the message is important, the delivery wasn't practical for my context."

"As someone in corporate HR, I struggled to directly apply many of the concepts to my environment. It's a foundational course, but perhaps too niche in its focus for a truly broad professional audience."

Incorporates unique methods like poetry to deepen understanding.

"I particularly appreciated the creative approaches, like using poetry, which made complex topics accessible and engaging."

"The use of poetry as a tool for social justice was a brilliant and unexpected addition, truly highlighting creative approaches."

"The creative approaches, like using poetry, made it truly stand out."

Knowledgeable instructors guide through complex, sensitive topics.

"The instructors managed to tackle incredibly sensitive and complex topics with grace and profound insight."

"The instructor was clearly passionate and knowledgeable."

"The instructors are phenomenal."

"The instructors do a great job of guiding you through complex topics."

Provides concrete, actionable tools for systemic change.

"This course is incredibly well-structured and offers a truly unique framework for dismantling systemic racism within institutions. It goes far beyond superficial diversity training..."

"Essential for anyone looking to make a genuine impact. The emphasis on 'deeper roots of inequity' really resonated. The methodology is robust..."

"This course delivers on its promise to go beyond superficial diversity training. It equips you with a rigorous analytical framework."

"I feel empowered with practical strategies and a stronger conceptual grasp."

Some found it too theoretical for specific, hands-on needs.

"I found some of the content to be quite theoretical without enough practical, hands-on examples for immediate application in my specific professional setting (healthcare)."

"I work in a small community organization and was looking for concrete, scalable tools, not just high-level concepts. It seemed very geared towards large educational institutions."

"I'm disappointed. This course seemed to lack real-world, actionable steps for a business environment. It was too academic and focused heavily on conceptual discussions."

"More concrete examples or hands-on exercises tailored to various organizational types would significantly improve its utility."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces with these activities:

Watch TED Talks and Documentaries on Racial Justice

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Gain insights and inspiration from thought leaders and activists working in the field of racial justice.

Browse courses on Racial Justice

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Explore TED Talks and documentaries on racial justice
Watch a selection of talks and documentaries
Take notes on key concepts and ideas

Attend Local Events and Workshops on Racial Justice

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Connect with others who share your passion for racial justice and learn from their experiences.

Browse courses on Racial Justice

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Attend events that align with your interests
Identify local events and workshops on racial justice
Network with other participants and share ideas

Complete Online Quizzes on Racial Bias and Equity

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Assess and improve your understanding of key concepts and principles related to racial bias and equity.

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Identify reputable online platforms that offer quizzes on racial bias and equity
Take several quizzes to test your knowledge
Reflect on your answers and identify areas for growth

Four other activities

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Read 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed' by Paulo Freire

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Reflect on the principles of equity and anti-racism and how they can be applied to educational settings.

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Read Chapter 1 and Chapter 2
Summarize the key concepts and principles discussed in the chapters
Reflect on the implications of these concepts for your own work in education

Create an Action Plan for Racial Justice

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Develop a concrete plan for implementing anti-racist practices in your own work or community.

Browse courses on Racial Justice

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Identify the specific areas where you want to make change
Research best practices and consult with experts in the field
Develop a plan for implementing your ideas
Set a timeline for implementation and evaluation

Conduct a Community Survey on Racial Experiences

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Gather insights from your community to inform your understanding of racial disparities and develop targeted solutions.

Browse courses on Community Building

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Design a survey that addresses specific questions about racial experiences
Distribute the survey to a representative sample of the community
Analyze the data and identify key findings
Develop a report that summarizes the findings and recommendations

Design an Anti-Racist Training Module for Your Organization

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Create a comprehensive training program to educate and empower your colleagues on issues of race and equity.

Browse courses on Institutional Change

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Identify the learning objectives for the training
Develop the content for each module
Create interactive activities and exercises
Design an evaluation plan to assess the effectiveness of the training

Career center

Learners who complete Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Anti-Racism Educator

An Anti-Racism Educator teaches principles of equity, anti-racism, and cultural justice. They work to create inclusive and equitable spaces in educational institutions, workplaces, and communities. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course can provide a strong foundation for this role by teaching participants how to develop and implement anti-racist policies and practices. The course also covers topics such as cultural competency, unconscious bias, and restorative justice, which are essential for Anti-Racism Educators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anti-Racism Educator

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

A Diversity and Inclusion Manager is responsible for developing and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives within an organization. They work to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all employees. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course can provide valuable knowledge and skills for this role by teaching participants how to assess an organization's current diversity and inclusion climate, entwickeln and implement effective diversity and inclusion programs, and evaluate the impact of these programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Civil Rights Attorney

A Civil Rights Attorney advocates for the rights of individuals and groups who have been discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. They work to protect and enforce civil rights laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course can provide a strong foundation for this role by teaching participants about the history of civil rights law, the legal principles that protect against discrimination, and the strategies for enforcing these laws.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Rights Attorney

Social Justice Advocate

A Social Justice Advocate works to promote social justice and equality for all people. They work on a variety of issues, such as racial justice, economic justice, and environmental justice. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course can provide valuable knowledge and skills for this role by teaching participants about the root causes of social injustice, the strategies for addressing these causes, and the ways to build a more just and equitable society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Justice Advocate

Community Organizer

A Community Organizer works to build power and create change within communities. They work with community members to identify issues, develop solutions, and take action to create a more just and equitable society. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course can provide valuable knowledge and skills for this role by teaching participants how to build relationships with community members, develop effective organizing strategies, and create lasting change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policies to inform decision-making. They work with policymakers to develop and implement policies that promote social justice and equity. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course may be useful for this role by providing participants with a deeper understanding of the root causes of social injustice and the strategies for addressing these causes. The course may also help participants develop the research and analytical skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Nonprofit Executive Director

A Nonprofit Executive Director leads a nonprofit organization that works to promote social justice and equity. They are responsible for developing the organization's mission, vision, and strategic plan, as well as managing the organization's day-to-day operations. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course may be useful for this role by providing participants with a deeper understanding of the root causes of social injustice and the strategies for addressing these causes. The course may also help participants develop the leadership and management skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Executive Director

Journalist

A Journalist investigates and reports on news stories. They work to inform the public about important issues and hold those in power accountable. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course may be useful for this role by providing participants with a deeper understanding of the root causes of social injustice and the strategies for addressing these causes. The course may also help participants develop the research and writing skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Teacher

A Teacher educates students in a variety of subjects. They work to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course may be useful for this role by providing participants with a deeper understanding of the root causes of social injustice and the strategies for addressing these causes. The course may also help participants develop the teaching skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Social Worker

A Social Worker helps people navigate difficult life situations. They work with individuals, families, and communities to provide support and resources. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course may be useful for this role by providing participants with a deeper understanding of the root causes of social injustice and the strategies for addressing these causes. The course may also help participants develop the counseling and support skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Public Interest Lawyer

A Public Interest Lawyer represents individuals and groups who cannot afford to pay for legal services. They work on a variety of issues, such as civil rights, environmental law, and immigration law. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course may be useful for this role by providing participants with a deeper understanding of the root causes of social injustice and the strategies for addressing these causes. The course may also help participants develop the legal research and writing skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Interest Lawyer

Anthropologist

An Anthropologist studies human societies and cultures. They work to understand how people live, interact, and change over time. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course may be useful for this role by providing participants with a deeper understanding of the root causes of social injustice and the strategies for addressing these causes. The course may also help participants develop the research and analytical skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Sociologist

A Sociologist studies human societies and social behavior. They work to understand how social structures, institutions, and processes shape people's lives. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course may be useful for this role by providing participants with a deeper understanding of the root causes of social injustice and the strategies for addressing these causes. The course may also help participants develop the research and analytical skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Historian

A Historian studies the past to understand the present. They work to research, analyze, and interpret historical events and documents. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course may be useful for this role by providing participants with a deeper understanding of the root causes of social injustice and the strategies for addressing these causes. The course may also help participants develop the research and analytical skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Political Scientist

A Political Scientist studies politics and government. They work to understand how power is distributed and used in societies. The Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces course may be useful for this role by providing participants with a deeper understanding of the root causes of social injustice and the strategies for addressing these causes. The course may also help participants develop the research and analytical skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces.

The New Jim Crow: Young Readers' Edition

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Provides a historical and sociological analysis of the mass incarceration of Black people in the United States, and how it has led to the creation of a new system of racial inequality. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the roots of racial injustice in America.

Designing and Building Institutional Anti-Racist Spaces

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Actionable framework for institutional anti-racism

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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