Faculty Panelists Discuss Multi-Ethnicity

As a part of UCBA’s Diversity Series, several faculty members attended “What Are You? Demystifying the Multiracial Experience.”  This meeting was meant to help faculty members when it comes to approaching the topic of race and ethnicity in the class. 

The presentation was hosted by Michelle McKinney of UCBA’s Library; Helene Harte, an Assistant Professor of Behavioral Sciences; and Daphne Percy, UCBA Adjunct Assistant Professor in Behavioral Sciences.  All of these faculty members are of mixed and multiracial backgrounds.

Each one discussed an issue they’ve dealt with when dealing with questions about their ethnicity and upbringing.  “What we’re trying to do with this is encourage people here to refrain from using stereotypes and assumptions when talking to students,” said McKinney. “We also want the teachers to find a way to open up discussions with their students about this topic.”

One activity that was used at the meeting was an exercise called “The Line Game.”  During the game, a series of questions was asked that may relate to students and others of racial and foreign backgrounds.  If the question had applied to anyone involved, they would step on the line. 

The questions asked included things like “Has anyone ever asked you if you can cook a certain food pertaining to your background?” or “Has anyone started randomly speaking a foreign language to you that they assume you speak?”

The panelists also went on to discuss what a faculty member can do to prevent any future assumptions made without being very direct with intentions.