My PSA for DEI

February 28, 2021

For some, Black History Month comes to an end on February 28th (February 29th on leap year). And for some it's the end of the efforts to embrace diversity. Some expect a pat on the back for doing the right thing. Some even expect a free pass for future wrongdoings because they partied on the diversity bandwagon. I have been doing work tied to diversity for nearly 20 years. For the last 3 years I have had the privilege to teach psychology, sociology, counseling, and leadership classes in the capacity of a full-time professor. Every time I teach, I intentionally seek to imbed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) concepts in my classes because it matters...I'm not here for the applause; I'm here to work because it needs to be done. I'm here to do the work because I can!

I'm here to help make DEI a tangible reality. I'll lead, organize, and educate. When I am hired in the various capacities centered around DEI, there are some important things to keep in mind…

○     #1) Hiring me doesn't should not end an organization's efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

○     #2) I do not know everything regarding DEI, nor am I required to.

○     #3) Diversity and inclusion is NOT about being politically correct. It IS about empathy and recognizing humanity in everyone.

Think bigger when it comes to DEI

The burden of DEI is something for all of us to do. Participation in DEI is not like passing your driver's license test or getting a degree from a college/university...it's not a one-time thing. To do it right requires a lifetime commitment. It requires doing work AND being accountable. Being accountable AND having empathy. It requires you to not accept the mindset of jellyfish syndrome. (Jellyfish syndrome is a mindset of having good intentions but doing more harm than good.) This blog does not serve as your education on DEI issues. This is a public service announcement.

Each of us has to accept we can be part of the problem and part of the solution at the exact same time. Each of us needs to seek to offer more effort to the solution rather than the problem. Accountability matters. And being an ally is a step in the right direction, but it's not the end-all-be-all. It is part of the lifetime journey to empower the voices and stories that have been systemically AND systematically denied.

#AlliesWanted in this fight. Will you join the fight?

In Solidarity,
Professor Elgrie J. Hurd, III