Difficult Conversations on Identity, Race, and Politics

Why is this important: Now, more than ever, school and university staff and faculty are challenged to engage in difficult conversations with students in their classrooms, in the residence halls and at open campus events. Workplaces are overwhelmed with tensions stemming from differences in opinions on issues of gun control, abortion, cancel culture, and expectations around pronoun usage. Being prepared to have these conversations and understanding the central points of conflict will allow faculty, staff, administrators, teachers, and human resource professionals opportunities to better navigate these challenging spaces.

Program overview: This introductory program will involve the authors sharing key aspects from their book, How to Engage in Difficult Conversations on Identity, Race, and Politics in Higher Education, to better prepare faculty and staff to engage in these difficult conversations. Drs. Hodo, Whitfield, Van Brunt and Fitch will share their insights on the contextual challenges of having these conversations in school, college, university, and workplace settings (as appropriate). They will offer practical advice and guidance on navigating the minefields in these spaces and cultivating a higher degree of civility in our conversations.

The authors will outline the central concepts in the remaining eleven (11) conversations in the series: immigration, political tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic, police reform and transparency, white supremacy in academia, women’s rights, antisemitism, firearms access and second amendment, Black Lives Matter, disability rights and access, pronouns and gender identity/expression, and reproductive rights.

Participants will be able to:

• Discuss the importance of preparedness when it comes to engaging students in difficult conversations inside and outside the classroom.
• Review the best ways to enforce boundaries and limits on conversations occurring in the workplace and classrooms during inappropriate times.
• Be able to identify some specific challenges and opportunities related to these conversations. Discuss exercises, questions and ways to engage students on these topics.
• Review the importance of avoiding shame, blame, forced change, demanded acceptance, or agreement when approaching these difficult conversations.

Program includes:

• Online access to the live 90-minute program.
• A recorded version* of the program on www.trainingoutpost.com along with test questions and a compliance report for the administrator of a department, college, or university.
• A supplemental guide outlining key points in the program.
• Activities, questions and answers and handouts for group discussion to continue after the live program.

* Access for one year after the date of the live program. Additional year(s) access available for 20% purchase price.