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Thank you all who were able to join us last Friday for the first VIMS Community Discussions on racism – we had nearly 100 people participate! It was a great discussion, with lots of great ideas and perspectives. For those that missed it, a lot of the discussion centered around how those of us with privilege can be better allies, and the importance of words. Words are important and they carry complex meaning. For example, at face value the phrase “all lives matter” might seem inclusive, but it takes focus away from those who need it most. This becomes problematic, particularly because of its coded intent to redirect attention away from the pressing need to protect Black lives, a demographic imminently in danger within our society. By saying “black lives matter” you are not inferring that other lives don’t matter; rather, you are expressing solidarity with the situation and its pressing nature. During the discussion, a poignant analogy was offered: Imagine you are watching over a group of children outside, and one child is stung by a bee. You direct your attention to the well-being of the child who was stung, not the entire group of children. You are not neglecting the entire group, but rather focusing on the child who most needs your attention at that time.

There was also a good discussion on the need for safe spaces for discussing these sorts of issues – social circles, but also at the workplace. These can be difficult conversations, particularly when there is a power differential and the leaders aren’t engaged. The ground rules for Friday’s Zoom – create a safe space for honest and open discussion – offer a good starting point that PIs or others can use to begin the discussion. To create a safe space for this conversation, it is suggested that you have a mutual agreement with all parties involved to (1) Respect confidentiality, (2) Lean into the discussion, (3) Use “I” statements, and (4) Listen (among other things; see slide 2 of attachment). 

Finally, there are many available resources out there to help self-educate to become better allies. We have provided links to those mentioned on Friday and many others on the VIMS Dive In webpage (https://www.vims.edu/about/working_here/diversity_inclusion/diversity_resources/index.php). Also, an essay offering perspectives on how White academics can work to become allies for Blacks was recently published. It is written by Jasmine Roberts, a professor at the Ohio State University, and she lists 10 tangible actions that White academics and education professionals can take. These are good points for a lot of us to consider and reflect upon: https://medium.com/the-faculty/white-academia-do-better-fa96cede1fc5. Please let us know of additional resources we should include on the DiveIn page. 

Please continue to submit questions, problems, experiences, suggestions, etc. on this topic or any other to diversity@vims.edu or through our anonymous feedback form:  

https://wmsas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9QUQ7u5b30LKoUR

Please join us on Friday (June 12, 3:00 pm) as we continue this conversation. We will use break-out rooms to discuss tangible ways that we can address issues of systemic racism in academia, and specifically, at VIMS. We look forward to seeing you all on Friday.  

-   Dive-In Committee