Resisting microaggressions in computing disciplines

The purpose of our session is to explore the microaggressions experienced by faculty, staff and students, and develop strategies for coping and persisting in the field. Microaggressions are brief and commonplace verbal, behavioral or environmental indignities (whether intentional or unintentional) that communicate hostility, insensitivity and negativity to an individual or group (Sue, et al, 2007). Microaggressions communicate beliefs about who is expected to participate in and succeed in fields of study. In computing, this plays a significant role in how those from under-represented groups perceive and experience participation, engagement and retention in the discipline. Factors such as career fit and progression, institutional fit, social and professional isolation, mentoring and career support are particularly critical to retention and career progression of people from underrepresented groups. Our two-part interactive session is motivated by two questions: How are micro aggressions experienced by faculty, staff and students from under represented groups in computing?And what strategies can we employ to reduce micro aggressions and improve representation in the field