In the video, the speaker highlights how unconscious bias can be used as a “get-out-of-jail” card for teachers. Instead, as educator, we should pay conscious attention on treating people equally. This is not only a showcase of intelligence, but also a demonstration of support and fairness. I think it’s crucial to consciously take steps and enhance social justice in my classroom as much as I can.
For example, I would make conscious effort not to make assumptions about my students’ cultural backgrounds or places or origin (I have always tried not to make assumptions). I know there are assumptions that are usually made based on their physical appearances. However, I consciously constantly remind myself not to make any assumptions. I do agree that this is a matter of integrity, fairness, and respect for diversity.
For instance, I would consciously be aware of sensitive contents in my teaching materials. Due to various cultural backgrounds, some opinions/ perspectives that westerners take for granted may be triggering to students from other backgrounds (for instance, what food is clean or unclean). I believe that trigger-warning, open minded-ness, and a things-are-up-for-being-questioned attitude are very helpful.
I also think this is a complex dimension of ethical discussions. I agree that we could definitely make share we have panellists of different genders/ ethnicities/ cultural background/ etc. during the interview process of recruitment of faculties. However, is it that we should consciously and intentionally hire more BME faculties during recruitment?
Data from Shades of Noir shows that 24.7% of first-degree undergraduates identify as having BME identities, whereas only 9.9% of academic staff are BME (as noted on p.27 of the report “Inclusive Practice: Alchemy – Transformation in Social Justice Teaching”).1 Of course, this data may be questionable as some students and staff may prefer not to disclose their identities.
The other question would be: How long would these conscious arrangements of recruitment interview panellists take to make the percentage of minority in faculties reflect percentage of minority in students? Or, should we consciously work toward increasing the percentage of minority in faculties by consciously hiring more BME teachers?