Diversity Dialogue
Education | Conversations | Implementation
Hello LSHRM members, Community Partners, and Friends!
Diversity and Inclusion are two terms that are used to promote unity and to create space for all people despite differences in areas such as race, gender, and sexual preference. In 2018, the Journal of Educational Foundations published a case study titled “African American history and culture: What white teachers should know”. The purpose of the research was to examine the thoughts and understanding of White teachers regarding African American history and culture.The data collected suggested that many White participants expressed that they had to understand African American history on their own due to African American history not being taught to them in school in their youth. Previous studies have suggested that despite the increasing population of multiracial and multicultural students in the United States, many classroom teachers lack the preparedness needed to teach and relate to diverse learners effectively. The case study encouraged me to think about my personal development as a human resource professional. I walked away with two takeaways: admit when you don’t know the answer and need further development in an area, and don’t be afraid to seek the solution and the development opportunity.
In 2020, the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) introduced a new initiative called Together Forward @ Work. The initiative is to promote racial equity for everyone, especially in our workplace. HR professionals are often the ethical meter for our workplaces and are charged with developing, coaching, and training employees to perform at their highest level. We find ourselves not knowing the answers to situations that arise, but as critical thinkers, we seek out the solutions and get the work done. In support of the Together Forward @ Work initiative, Louisville Society for Human Resource Management (LSHRM) is dedicated to providing educational and developmental opportunities in diversity, equity, and inclusion to encourage ongoing conversations and learning for implementation and creating positive change within our workplaces. I’m excited to announce our LSHRM Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Survey. The purpose of the survey is to provide a space for you to share your thoughts and ask questions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. The LSHRM Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee will use the results from the survey to create relevant programming, seminars, and events for your professional and personal development. You can access the link to the survey by clicking the button below. We are excited to hear your thoughts!
Furthermore, we are excited to announce our new Diversity Dialogue column. LSHRM is dedicated to providing you words of wisdom from forward thinking thought-leaders and change agents that will challenge our personal bias and aid in our development in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each month, Diversity Dialogue will host a new contributor to educate you on the latest best practices and continue the ongoing conversation, collaboration, and learning.
I will end my message with encouraging words from the remarkable Maya Angelou who stated that “we all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” I truly looking forward to providing you with the resources you need to continue your success as human resource professionals. Let’s continue this work together!