The dominant power structure may feel like they are being subjected to a witch hunt when questioned about equity and treatment of marginalized groups for a few reasons.
First, questioning the equity and treatment of marginalized groups can be perceived as a threat to the dominant power structure's status quo. If the dominant power structure has historically benefited from and maintained systems of oppression, any challenge to those systems can be seen as a challenge to their power and privilege. As a result, they may feel defensive and resistant to change.
Second, the dominant power structure may feel like they are being unfairly targeted or blamed for issues related to equity and treatment of marginalized groups. This can be due to a lack of understanding or acknowledgement of the systemic nature of oppression and the ways in which the dominant power structure has contributed to it. They may see themselves as individuals who have not personally discriminated against anyone and feel like they are being scapegoated for the actions of others.
Finally, the dominant power structure may feel like they are being subjected to a witch hunt because of a fear of losing power and control. If changes are made to promote equity and justice, the dominant power structure may perceive that they will lose their position of power and privilege, leading to resentment and defensiveness.
It's important to recognize that these feelings are often rooted in a fear of change and a desire to maintain the status quo. It's essential to approach these conversations with empathy and understanding while also being firm in advocating for equity and justice for marginalized groups.
1. The National Equity Project - The National Equity Project is a nonprofit organization that works with leaders and organizations to promote equity and justice in education. They offer training and coaching programs for leaders looking to build their skills in areas such as equity-centered leadership and culturally responsive teaching. You can find more information on their website: https://nationalequityproject.org/
2. The Center for Urban Education at the University of Southern California - The Center for Urban Education is a research and training center focused on improving educational equity and access. They offer a range of resources and training programs for leaders, educators, and researchers interested in promoting equity in education. You can find more information on their website: https://cue.usc.edu/
3. The Teaching Tolerance Project - The Teaching Tolerance Project is a program of the Southern Poverty Law Center that provides free resources and professional development for educators who want to promote equity and justice in the classroom. Their resources include teaching strategies, classroom activities, and professional development webinars. You can find more information on their website: https://www.tolerance.org/
4. The American Alliance of Museums - The American Alliance of Museums offers a range of resources and training programs for museum leaders and educators looking to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in their institutions. You can find more information on their website: https://www.aam-us.org/
5. The National Guild for Community Arts Education - The National Guild for Community Arts Education offers resources and training programs for arts education leaders looking to promote equity and inclusion in their institutions. Their resources include a series of webinars focused on equity and inclusion in the arts. You can find more information on their website: https://nationalguild.org/
6. The Harvard Implicit Association Test (IAT) - The Harvard Implicit Association Test is a tool that can help individuals become aware of their implicit biases. The test is free and available online, and can be a useful starting point for leaders looking to better understand their own biases and work to address them. You can take the test here: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html
It's also important to note that reading books and articles by authors from marginalized communities and participating in diverse communities can help improve EDI skills. Listening to and amplifying the voices of those who have been historically marginalized can be a powerful way to better understand the experiences of others and work towards greater equity and inclusion.
The quote "When you know better, you do better" is often attributed to Maya Angelou. However, it's important to note that the exact phrasing may vary as there are several variations of the quote attributed to her. Here's one version:
"I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better."
This quote is from her book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" published in 1969. The quote appears on page 308 of the 2009 Random House edition of the book.
It's worth noting that the sentiment behind the quote is also found in other works of literature and philosophy, such as the principle of "progressive realization" advocated by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Research has consistently shown that suicide rates are higher among LGBTQ students, students of color, and other marginalized groups compared to the general population and members of the dominant culture.
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that LGBTQ youth were 3.5 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. The study also found that LGBTQ youth who experienced higher levels of victimization had an even greater risk for suicide attempts (Russell et al., 2011).
Similarly, a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that suicide rates among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth aged 10-24 were higher than those of any other racial/ethnic group in this age range. AI/AN youth were found to be 1.5-2 times more likely to die by suicide compared to their non-Hispanic white peers (CDC, 2021).
In terms of students of color, a study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that suicide rates among Black youth aged 10-19 increased by 71% between 2006 and 2016. Black children aged 5-12 are also twice as likely to die by suicide compared to their white peers (NAMI, 2020).
Overall, suicide rates for marginalized groups are significantly higher than those of the general population and members of the dominant culture. It is important for mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers to address the systemic barriers that contribute to these disparities and provide targeted support for these groups.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Suicide mortality among American Indian/Alaska Native youths aged 10-24 years - United States, 2001-2015. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6743a1.htm
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2020). Suicide in the Black community. https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/January-2020/Suicide-in-the-Black-Community
Russell, S. T., Fish, J. N., & Pettigrew, J. (2011). Sexual minority youth and suicide risk. Journal of Adolescent Health, 49(2), 115-117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2011.05.006
What can be done to lessen this tragedy?
To address the high suicide rates among LGBTQ students, students of color, and other marginalized groups, it is crucial to implement comprehensive strategies that focus on prevention, support, and inclusivity. Here are some key actions that can be taken to lessen this tragedy:
1. Education and Awareness: Implement educational programs that promote understanding, empathy, and acceptance of diverse identities and experiences. This can include comprehensive sex education that addresses LGBTQ issues, cultural competency training for educators and healthcare professionals, and awareness campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination.
2. Mental Health Support: Increase access to culturally competent mental health services and support systems that specifically address the needs of marginalized groups. This can involve training mental health professionals to be knowledgeable and sensitive to the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals, students of color, and other marginalized groups.
3. Safe and Inclusive Environments: Foster inclusive and safe environments in schools, colleges, and communities. This can be achieved by implementing anti-bullying policies that specifically address LGBTQ and racial/ethnic minority bullying, establishing LGBTQ support groups or Gay-Straight Alliances in schools, and creating diverse and inclusive curricula that reflect the experiences of marginalized communities.
4. Suicide Prevention Programs: Develop and implement suicide prevention programs tailored to the needs of marginalized groups. These programs should include early identification of at-risk individuals, mental health screenings, crisis helplines, and referral systems to connect individuals to appropriate resources.
5. Advocacy and Policy Changes: Advocate for policy changes that promote equality, inclusivity, and the protection of rights for marginalized groups. This can involve supporting legislation that addresses discrimination, bullying, and harassment, and working towards the elimination of systemic barriers that contribute to mental health disparities.
6. Supportive Families and Communities: Promote family acceptance and support for LGBTQ individuals, students of color, and other marginalized groups. Encouraging open dialogue, providing resources for families to better understand and support their loved ones, and fostering community acceptance can play a significant role in reducing suicide rates.
It is important to remember that these actions should be implemented in a comprehensive and intersectional manner, recognizing that individuals can belong to multiple marginalized groups simultaneously. Collaboration among educators, mental health professionals, policymakers, community leaders, and individuals from marginalized communities is crucial to effectively address and lessen this tragedy.