Discussing “White Fragility”

By Sue Pelchat, International Diversity and Inclusion Committee Co-Chairman, Immediate Past International President

More than seventy sisters collectively tossed one pebble into a pond on January 4, 2021. Since that day, ripples have been moving steadily outward.

Regional Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) committees gathered virtually on six Monday nights to discuss the book “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism”, by Robin DiAngelo. Twelve volunteers served as discussion leaders, summarizing and offering questions for breakout groups. Teams shared discussion comments. Members bonded as diverse teams and asked to stay together because of getting to know their sisters. The title raised hackles on some who felt they were “not racist.” But, as the book explained, it’s hard not to be racist when one has lived so long with the privilege of being white. Discussions were rich.

“We don’t know what we don’t know,” said one participant as she became more aware of ways people of color are treated vs. white people.

Rosa Parks took a stand by sitting down. A∆K Diversity and Inclusion groups took a stand by sitting together, learning about each other’s lives and experiences, and relating to “White Fragility.” Group norms created a safe space, a brave space for expression, with trust that comments would be accepted, yet confronted when needed, to build greater awareness and understanding.

One organizational expert believes that diversity training is not helpful, that what we need to do is to put diverse people together in a room to work together. Alpha Delta Kappa sisters cannot develop their diversity perspective if they do not sit in rooms as part of diverse groups. And, they cannot meet in those groups until there is greater diversity in Alpha Delta Kappa.

Reading “White Fragility” led members to consider what chapters might do right now to break down barriers and build relationships: 1. Enhance bonds among sisters by creatively grouping members at meetings. 2. Recruit members from diverse backgrounds, and encourage them to participate and offer for leadership positions beyond the chapter level. 3. Encourage students of diverse backgrounds to enter the teaching profession. 4. Show that we are welcoming, inclusive and excited to share our rich and varied background stories with each other. 5. Engage every member at every meeting. 6. Continue to raise awareness of implicit and explicit bias, so that people may know it and work to eliminate it in themselves and others. 7. Share a meaningful quote on diversity, and follow up with discussion at each meeting. 8. Hold book discussions to broaden awareness; share titles of inspiring books on diversity. 9. Help active teachers build diverse classroom libraries. 10. Listen to others’ stories; elevate awareness of members’ differences and ways people are treated. 11. Practice giving feedback and responding to feedback to help quash racist or bullying behaviors. Silence equals implicit acceptance; learn to speak up.

Since reading “White Fragility”, Virginia sisters held a panel about the book; Alaska sisters presented “Vowels of Diversity”; PA Gamma sisters read and discussed “Caste”, addressing stratification by race. KY A∆K is encouraging officers to attend convention diversity sessions. Mexico sisters have become more mindful of non-English speakers. Individuals and chapters are attending webinars and Ted Talks on diversity. CA Beta Eta invited Diana Galvan to present on “Embracing Diversity.” Many activities have been spurred by discussion of “White Fragility.” And Past IEB Chairman Barbara Stanfield has embarked on a mission, saying, “I want to be aware of and change my own behaviors that reinforce systemic racism, and then encourage others to read and study how racism is entrenched in all of our lives.“

The ripple effect has begun. As we raise awareness, examine our own deep-rooted behaviors, and strive for inclusion, we chip away at dividing forces: bias, racism, and marginalization. Change will not happen by itself; it will take conscious and concerted effort, and collaboration of all members of Alpha Delta Kappa.

We stand beside all of our sisters, working together to bring awareness, acceptance and inclusion to our world.

~Judy Ganzert (e-blast 3/26/21)