Ongoing Initiatives
BOOKS FOR FACULTY/STAFF: The CHaSS Anti-Oppression committee is offering free copies of Ijeoma Oluo’s New York Times bestseller So You Want to Talk About Race. Whether you are well versed in issues of race and racism or are looking to take a first step in learning more, this book has a lot to offer. Taking an intersectional approach to race issues, Oluo explains the importance of having (difficult) conversations about race and offers strategies for having such conversations more effectively. Oluo’s book covers an array of topics including:
- Concerns about “getting it right” in discussions about race
- Microaggressions
- Race and law enforcement
- Race in education
- Privilege
- Cultural appropriation
- What to do if someone calls you racist
- Action steps
So You Want to Talk About Race is written to help facilitate meaningful dialogue and action towards the goal of fighting racial oppression on personal, professional, and societal levels. The Anti-Oppression Committee is encouraging staff and faculty to create departmental mini book clubs and action groups that utilize Oluo’s discussion guide and suggestions to effect positive change at all levels of departmental functioning, and especially in the everyday experience of students from marginalized identity groups in our classrooms. Sign up to receive your free copy
- To access the Teaching Toolkit, click here: Teaching Toolkit Resources
- Faculty interested in submitting materials for the Teaching Toolkits should consult the following: Teaching Toolkit CFP
If you are a staff member in CHaSS, or at the university, and would like to participate in the book club please contact:
Upcoming selections:
February 2021: The Beginning and End of Rape: Confronting Sexual Violence in Native America by Sarah Deer
March 2021: The Round House by Louise Erdrich
Previous book club selections:
How to be Less Stupid About Race by Crystal M. Fleming
One Person, No Vote by Carol Anderson
TENURE AND PROMOTION EQUITY: In September 2020, the Anti-Oppression Committee approached Faculty Senate leadership to discuss USU’s plans for addressing tenure guidelines and expectations in response to the COVID pandemic. We are currently planning to research effective polices for ensuring equitable adjustments to these guidelines and expectations, as well as resources for faculty to account for research disruptions in their tenure and promotion materials.
Past Initiatives
More information coming soon