Training coming this fall to begin to address racism, inclusion and bias

UF faculty, staff and students with experience with and expertise in racial justice came together for a half-day online retreat yesterday to discuss the skills all of us need to be successful and proficient in addressing racism, particularly anti-Black in nature, throughout the university. UF Training & Organizational Development, in partnership with the offices of the Chief Diversity Officer and Student Affairs, invited “100 UF voices” to participate, including UF’s diversity liaisons, faculty with research expertise in racism and inclusion, representatives from UF faculty and staff affinity groups, and undergraduate and graduate student leaders from a variety of organizations.

In his June 18 statement to the UF community, President Fuchs outlined several steps the university would be taking to effect positive change at UF, including required training for all current and new students, faculty and staff on racism, inclusion and bias. In response to this charge, the group assembled yesterday began to define a recommended set of skills and abilities that will set the foundation for educational efforts to address anti-Black racism.

As a first step, beginning this fall, two new online training courses will be available:

• Managing Bias for Faculty and Staff
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Students

The work of this group builds a foundation for a racial justice professional development framework that will continue to be developed and implemented with partners throughout the university. Watch for further details in the weeks to come.