Inclusion Matters
Videos and Case Studies
Take a moment to hear directly from marginalized students and faculty as they share their real experiences with inclusion – what it looks like, feels like, and why it matters. Through video testimonials and written case studies, you’ll gain insight into the barriers they’ve faced and the they hope to see. As you watch and read, ask yourself: What role can I play in creating spaces where everyone truly belongs?
The Platinum Rule – video
Reflection Questions
- How can practicing the Platinum Rule – treating others how they want to be treated – change the way you communicate with students, peers, or colleagues from different backgrounds?
- Can you recall a time when an assumption you made about someone’s needs or preferences affected your interaction?
- What strategies can you use to better understand how someone wants to be treated, especially when their communication style or cultural background differs from your own?
Instructors Making Inclusive Space – video
Reflection Questions
In this video, K shares how classroom culture is co-created and the tone is set by the Instructor on the first day of class. There is an opportunity to either reinforce or challenge systems of exclusion and we all have a play role to play in it.
- How does an instructor’s behaviour and language in the first class influence the tone for the rest of the course? What messages are communicated – intentionally or not – through that first impression?
- Why is it especially important for those in positions of power, like educators, to model inclusive practices? What might be the consequences if they don’t?
- In what ways can instructors demonstrate respect for marginalized identities through everyday classroom practices? How can these actions affect students’ sense of safety, belonging, and willingness to participate?
- How can students hold space for inclusion too? What is our shared responsibility in maintaining a respectful and affirming learning environment?
Microaggressions in the workplace – CASE STUDY
Submitted by a student
Prabhjot, a 20 year old South Asian male who has recently started his first accounting job since graduating university. He loves the work but feels uncomfortable during social interactions with his new co workers.
Jim, his co worker in the next cubicle over, has commented “Prab I feel bad how much written work they have you doing, that much must be hard for you!” and has offered to help him proof read emails, despite Prabhjot not ever asking for help. Prabhjot begins dreading going into the office, not only is he insecure about his work but he feels belittled having been given the nickname ‘Prab’ without his consent.
Prabhjot decides that he is going to start an open dialogue with Jim during lunch hour. While Prabhjot microwaves his lunch, Jim, who is sitting at a table reading the newspaper yells “Prab! You’re stinking up the whole office! My God!” Prabhjot feels terrible and quickly turns off the microwave and pulls out his food. Although he wants to go back to his desk and eat his still cold lunch in peace, he knows that if he doesn’t confront Jim about his hurtful comments he isn’t likely to stop.
Reflection Questions
- How do you think Prabhjot feels about his interactions with Jim? Which of Jim’s actions or comments do you think impacted Prabhjot the most, and why?
- What assumptions might Jim be making about Prabhjot based on his comments and actions? How do these assumptions reflect broader societal stereotypes?
- Reflect on the significance of nicknames and food in cultural identity. Why might Prabhjot feel belittled or disrespected by Jim’s actions regarding these aspects?
- What are some effective ways Prabhjot could address the issues with Jim? Consider verbal responses, actions he could take, or support he might seek from others at the workplace.
- Discuss the role of bystanders in this scenario. What could Prabhjot’s other coworkers or supervisors do to support an inclusive environment?
