Objection 1: Meritocracy Concerns
Focusing on equity, where each group is represented based on its population size, isn't fair. Equality is better because everyone is treated the same regardless of their background. Pushing for indigenous visibility on campus means treating people differently just to make things seem fair, which goes against the idea of giving everyone an equal opportunity. So, it's important to stick to equality rather than pushing for specific representation for different groups.
Response:
Recognizing indigenous peoples' history of being on the land doesn't prioritize one group over another. Instead it acknowledges historical facts. It's about understanding the complex history of the land and its original inhabitants. It's about acknowledging the history, culture, and contributions to society that have been made by the people who lived here for thousands of years. By increasing indigenous visibility, we're not taking away opportunities from others; we're simply bringing awareness to the rich heritage and ongoing presence of indigenous communities. It's a way of acknowledging the full scope of history and ensuring that indigenous voices are heard and respected.
Objection 2: Tokenism
Things like this website and the land acknowledgement are nothing more than virtue signaling. It's a way to make everyone feel better without actually doing anything of substance.
Response:
Genuine efforts to recognize indigenous peoples' history go beyond tokenism by actively engaging with indigenous communities and incorporating their perspectives and knowledge into decision-making processes. It's about building meaningful partnerships and relationships based on trust, respect, and reciprocity, rather than token gestures or symbolic gestures of inclusion. There are many steps to be made and no single one will solve every issue. That is why it is so important that we continue the work of acknowledging indigenous people and the rich culture and heritage of this land. It is true, words are meaningless if they aren't backed up by action and a continued commitment to righting the wrongs of the past.
Objection 3: Erosion of Free Speech
When people in power push for things like DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)or land acknowledgments and make the consequences of disagreeing with it affect people's careers and academics in the form of censure or disciplinary actions, it makes people afraid to share their opinions and does not create an environment that fosters individual thought or critical thinking.
Response:
Recognizing indigenous peoples' history doesn't erode free speech but rather fosters a more inclusive and respectful public discourse. It's about creating space for diverse perspectives to be heard and respected, while also challenging harmful stereotypes and misconceptions that perpetuate discrimination and marginalization. It is important to protect each person's right to free speech. By creating inclusive environments. where everyone can bring their full selves, we are embracing diversity in all its forms and making room for voices that have, historically, been under represented or silenced. While each person's right to free speech is undeniable, at the same time, we are not free of the consequences of the things we say. Holding people accountable for using damaging words is just as important as each person's right to say those words.
Objection 4: Cost and Resources
It is expensive to rename streets, buildings and maps. Why bother? Why not spend that money on something else?
Response:
Investing in efforts to recognize indigenous peoples' history is not just a matter of financial resources but also a moral and ethical imperative. It's about acknowledging historical injustices and working towards reconciliation and justice for all peoples. By investing in education, cultural preservation, and community development initiatives, we can create a more equitable and inclusive society for future generations.
Objection 5: Unintended Consequences
Programs and websites like this are a great concept but the execution has, historically, been expensive, inconsistent and produces unintended consequences. “There is nothing more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” - Martin Luther King Jr. Why isn't this just "sincere ignorance"?
Response:
While it's important to approach efforts to recognize indigenous peoples' history thoughtfully and with consideration for potential unintended consequences, the benefits of fostering greater awareness and understanding of indigenous histories far outweigh the challenges. This project is about creating opportunities for dialogue, education, and reconciliation that can lead to greater empathy, solidarity, and social cohesion. By continually engaging with indigenous communities, the perspectives and experiences that are learned along the way can help adapt and evolve efforts and become more effective and beneficial. "The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing." - Henry Ford.
Objection 6: Resentment and Division
You can't outlaw bias - forcing compliance or change doesn't change how people feel or think, it just makes them hide it. Threats or negative incentives don't work. People tend to respond with anger or resistance when forced to do or participate in things like diversity training and often have more animosity towards other groups afterwards. Forcing the change of names that have been around for a hundred years will only make people resent you.
Response:
Recognizing indigenous peoples' history isn't about creating resentment or division but rather fostering reconciliation and understanding. By acknowledging and honoring indigenous histories and cultures, we can build stronger relationships based on mutual respect and appreciation for the contributions of all peoples to the fabric of society. By addressing and bringing awareness to systematic inequalities and promoting understanding and empath, we can foster greater cohesion and collaboration within the University and society as a whole. While forcing someone to learn more about diversity may increase their animosity, the mere fact of the animosity alone shows the need for this very education.
Objection 7: Overemphasis on Identity
Programs that force equity rather than equality are progressive sanctioned racism that denigrates the autonomy of the individual in favor of collective identities linked to the immutable characteristics of race and gender.
Response:
Recognizing indigenous peoples' history acknowledges the unique contributions and experiences of indigenous communities while also recognizing their shared humanity with all peoples. It's about celebrating diversity while also recognizing our common humanity and interconnectedness as inhabitants of the same land.
Objection 8: Reverse Discrimination
These efforts could inadvertently lead to reverse discrimination, where individuals from majority groups feel unfairly treated or excluded in order to fulfill diversity quotas.
Response:
Recognizing indigenous peoples' history doesn't disadvantage any particular group but rather seeks to rectify historical injustices and promote equity and justice for all. It's about addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that indigenous voices and perspectives are included and valued in decision-making processes and societal narratives.
Objection 9: Focus on Symptom, Not Cause
Certain diversity, equity, and inclusion practices are polarizing and work against the goal of inclusion.
Response:
Efforts such as this website complement broader efforts to address systematic inequalities and structural barriers by creating more inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. While it's important to tackle root causes of inequity, small steps like this, play a crucial role in creating immediate and tangible change in the world. While it is not an end in and of itself, it is one more step forward in the march to creating a better world for everyone.