No, That\u27s Not How You Pronounce My Name: Addressing Microaggressions in Higher Education

Faculty, staff and students increasingly encounter situations in which words and behaviors may inadvertently insult or invalidate their lived experience. Sue (2010) posits that dismissiveness, invisibility, and subjugation of historically marginalized groups is pervasive and creates uncomfortable, unsafe and sometimes violent realities in higher education. Using participant experiences this workshop will illustrate the prevalence of microaggressions in higher education and offer microactivism as a conduit for achieving social justice. Through presentation, discussion and interactive exercises, participants will gain a deeper understanding of microaggressions, and its impact on interpersonal interactions across various identities. Additionally, participants will explore methods to disrupt biases and respond to microaggressions. The workshop will begin with an introduction to microaggressions: what they are, examples, and relevant literature about their impact in higher education. Centered in research-based strategies and frameworks, participants will explore the prevalence of microaggressions through activities that highlights participants’ personal experiences with micro-aggressive behaviors. Specifically, participants will collaborate in groups to role play, practice and discuss how to address microaggressions from a target and bystander perspective. All paper materials including scenarios and strategies will be provided. This workshop is intended for everyone, including faculty, students and staff