On behalf of NIRSA’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission, I invite you to take some time this week to review the resources below. Whether you choose to integrate them into an upcoming staff training or you’re simply reading them to expand your understanding of the vital topics of equity, diversity, or inclusion, these resources can help shape your perspective on social justice.

By Boldly| Buzzfeed Media

When we talk about identity and race, very often there is a group of individuals who are not provided space in the discussion due to their relative newness in our national landscape. For multiracial, biracial, and multiethnic individuals, their identity is one that holds immense complexity and richness but can often differ substantially from the experiences of fellow people of color with parents of the same race.

This short, candid video highlights the experiences of several multiracial and biracial individuals to provide multiple perspectives from this lens. It is important to hear these stories so that we may begin to educate ourselves as higher education professionals on the intricacies of this unique identity group.

 

By Allen Kenneth Schaidle | Insight Into Diversity

One situation commonly experienced by multiracial, biracial, and multiethnic individuals is the need to make choices based on a binary—one or the other—or choices outside of their identity altogether. This article cites several examples from higher education to examine the impact of this common experience and how institutions might do better.

For students who identify with multiple racial groups, forms that don’t include a multiracial/biracial/multiethnic option can cause distress, especially if the form only allows a “check-one” approach for the other options. Understanding that these experiences can impact the overall impression that a student has with an organization is imperative, and planning for inclusion in these situations where possible helps to set-up an environment that is welcoming and affirming.

 

By Brittany Hunt | NASPA

As one of the fastest growing racial identity groups in the country, multiracial and biracial students are entering college at higher rates than ever (Pew Research Center, 2015). As this author found in their research, the most common experience of multiracial college students is that they don’t feel their voice is being heard on campus.

As campus recreation professionals, we can provide space to support students by educating ourselves on the common microaggressions these individuals experience and sharing that information with our peers and student staff through trainings and resources.

Add your voice to the conversation

We encourage you to connect with colleagues from across North America on this important topic. Join NIRSA’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Community of Practice today to find more resources or to participate in the online discussion.

Marketing & Communications Administrator at Colorado State University | NIRSA Profile

Brittany Heiring is currently the Marketing & Communications Administrator at Colorado State University Campus Recreation; she also serves as a commissioner on NIRSA's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission. Brittany can be reached at brittany.heiring@colostate.edu.