DEI Learning and Professional Development
To advance Strategic Priority Initiative 5.4, Butler University Human Resources and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) will continuously provide DEI-related learning and professional development resources for Butler students, staff, and faculty. Regardless of one’s experience with DEI, these resources will help campus members educate themselves and identify meaningful actions to implement as individuals, teams, colleges/departments, and a campus community.
LinkedIn Learning
Butler University Human Resources has launched our partnership with this online platform that offers self-paced courses to enhance foundational knowledge and support personal and professional growth. Throughout our Learning and Professional Development pages, you will find LinkedIn Learning videos recommended by the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on this page to expand our DEI knowledge. The courses can be completed over time and you can complete the videos in the order you’d like. After completing specific courses, many courses also allow you to earn certifications that appear on your LinkedIn profile.
Get Started with LinkedIn Learning Guides:
Movement of 10,000 (MVMNT10K)
Conversations regarding systemic oppression and racial injustice have increased over the past few years. The Indianapolis Foundation created MVMT10K, a digital platform, to increase racial justice efforts in the Central Indiana community. Regardless of social identity, all are recommended to join MVMT10K to unite, share ideas, and learn actionable steps to make Central Indiana an inclusive and anti-racist environment. Click this link to learn more and download the app.
Foundational Learning
Below are resources that will create foundational knowledge as one begins their journey of becoming inclusive of others and engaging in effective DEI practices.
These terms provide a framework that will help individuals deepen their understanding of their own experiences and those of others. As this is not an exhaustive list, additional terms and supporting material will be added periodically. Hyperlinks will direct readers to videos or other materials for further understanding. Please beware that some of the material will begin playing automatically.
Bystander Intervention – A social phenomenon that states individuals are less likely to offer help to someone in need when others are present.
Cultural Humility – An ongoing process of analyzing one’s biases and prejudices and learning about other cultures and identities to honor their beliefs and values.
Empathy – The ability to take another’s perspectives and provide a non-judgmental space for their experiences which in turn creates a sense of safety and connection between people.
Intersectionality – The recognition that identity factors such as race, gender identity, socioeconomic background, disability status, national origin, sexual orientation, etc., intersect within people’s lives to create increasing experiences of oppression and injustice.
Microaggressions – A statement or action that indirectly, subtly, and/or unintentionally discriminates or expresses prejudice toward someone belonging to a racial/ethnic minority group.
Neurodiversity – An idea that emphasizes the differences in how people process and engage with information and the world around them.
Using Gender Inclusive Language – The words we use can allows those around us to have a sense of belonging. Lori Nishiura Mackenzie helps viewers understand the importance of gender-inclusive language and provides practical ways to use gender-inclusive language.
White Fragility – The experience of discomfort and defensiveness that white people have when encountering conversations about race and inequality.
White Privilege – Inherent, invisible social and economic advantages that white people have on the basis of race.
All individuals carry implicit and explicit biases. Unlearning biases can lead to greater empathy and warmth towards those who do not share the same identities. Thus, we have shared tools and resources on how to unlearn and move past biases.
Bias Reporting Resources – A list of on and off campus resources that campus members can utilize to discuss the experience of being biased, how to unlearn bias, and confront bias.
Who me? Biased? – A New York Times video describing implicit bias, how biases are created, and the harmful effects of biases.
Implicit Association Test – Assessment created by Harvard University to gauge the biases you hold toward groups based on their race, gender, class, nationality, religion, and/or other social identities.
Empowering People to Break the Bias Habit – Infographic created by William T. L. Cox that provides ineffective and effective ways to reduce bias.
Unconscious Bias – In this LinkedIn Learning course, the instructor will discuss common examples of bias and their implications. Alongside, she will teach viewers how biases are formed, how bias translates to the workplace, and how to overcome bias.
Confronting Bias: Thriving Across Our Differences – Building relationships is a key aspect of developing diversity and inclusion. This course will teach members of campus about the impact of our cultural lenses on daily interactions, forms of unconscious bias, and how to respond when they have said or done the wrong thing unintentionally.
Being an ally is rooted in the recognition of your power and privilege and the decision to use your privileges to uplift others. The information below discusses effective ways to be an ally to those historically silenced and underrepresented.
10 Common Things Well-Intentioned Allies Do That Are Actually Counterproductive – An article discussing how allies make mistakes and how to correct those mistakes.
Allyship: How to be Better Allies – A short video describing what an effective ally is, the importance of centering marginalized voices, and practical ways to display allyship.
Inclusive Mindset for Committed Allies – To be an ally, it is important to know how to be effective in your role. This course breaks down the basic principles of allyship how to practice them and how to build an inclusive mindset as an ally.
Butler University IDEA – Resource List Curated by Dr. Elise Edwards, the resources listed will help campus members become educated about social justice issues and topics, and help increase inclusivity in their classrooms and pedagogies.
Communicating about Culturally Sensitive Issues – Kwame Christian teaches people to approach differences effectively. Because these conversations can be hard, Kwame teaches people important self-awareness and communication skills that will allow people to build connections, problem-solve, and improve working conditions.
Coping Strategies in Difficult Times – We face difficult situations that affect members of our identities. Usually, these events occur unexpectedly. This video will help you learn effective coping strategies and how to invest in your health as a form of resistance.
DEI LibGuide – The Academic Affairs Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Butler Libraries created this guide to provide information on DEI in higher education and how both Butler Libraries and Butler University are advancing DEI across campus.
The Fortnightly Literary Book Collection – This living collection of books centered on Black authors covers multiple disciplines and genres. The collection was created to increase access to literature by Black authors and engagements with Black cultural knowledge. The collection is located on the first floor of the Irwin Library. The full collection is accessible to the Butler community and Indianapolis community members with library cards. To view the entire collection in Butler’s database, click here.
Learning and Working Environment
The resources are divided into two sections, learning environment and working environment, to allow people to engage with material most relevant to their affiliation to Butler.
DEI Learning Environment Resources
These resources primarily assist students, faculty, and staff in student-facing positions by providing information on how to support students and peers from underrepresented backgrounds and how to create opportunities for meaningful engagement.
DEI Working Environment Resources
These resources will guide faculty and staff in learning about the diversity of social experiences among team members and how to practice inclusivity in the workplace.