DEI Learning and Professional Development Resources

To advance Strategic Priority Initiative 5.4, Butler University Human Resources and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) will continuously provide DEI-related learning and professional development resources for Butler students, staff, and faculty. Regardless of one’s experience with DEI, these resources will help campus members educate themselves and identify meaningful actions to implement as individuals, teams, colleges/departments, and a campus community.

Some of the resources found on these pages have been selected from existing on-campus resources including the DEI LibGuide, Bias Reporting Resources, and the Butler University IDEA – Resource List created by Dr. Elise Edwards. An additional resource to utilize is The Fortnightly Literary Book Collection located in Irwin Library. View titles available in the Fortnightly Collection here.

Foundational Learning

Below are resources that will create foundational knowledge as one begins their journey of becoming inclusive of others and engaging in effective DEI practices.

These terms provide a framework that will help individuals deepen their understanding of their own experiences and those of others. As this is not an exhaustive list, additional terms and supporting material will be added periodically. Hyperlinks will direct readers to videos or other materials for further understanding. Please beware that some of the material will begin playing automatically.

Bystander Intervention – A social phenomenon that states individuals are less likely to offer help to someone in need when others are present.

Cultural Humility – An ongoing process of analyzing one’s biases and prejudices and learning about other cultures and identities to honor their beliefs and values.

Empathy – The ability to take another’s perspectives and provide a non-judgmental space for their experiences which in turn creates a sense of safety and connection between people.

Intersectionality – The recognition that identity factors such as race, gender identity, socioeconomic background, disability status, national origin, sexual orientation, etc., intersect within people’s lives to create increasing experiences of oppression and injustice.

Microaggressions – A statement or action that indirectly, subtly, and/or unintentionally discriminates or expresses prejudice toward someone belonging to a racial/ethnic minority group.

Neurodiversity – An idea that emphasizes the differences in how people process and engage with information and the world around them.

White Fragility – The experience of discomfort and defensiveness that white people have when encountering conversations about race and inequality.

White Privilege – Inherent, invisible social and economic advantages that white people have on the basis of race.

For more terms, check out our Shared Language Glossary.

All individuals carry implicit and explicit biases. Unlearning biases can lead to greater empathy and warmth towards those who do not share the same identities. Thus, we have shared tools and resources on how to unlearn and move past biases.

Who me? Biased? – A New York Times video describing implicit bias, how biases are created, and the harmful effects of biases.

Implicit Association Test – Assessment created by Harvard University to gauge the biases you hold toward groups based on their race, gender, class, nationality, religion, and/or other social identities.

Empowering People to Break the Bias Habit – Infographic created by William T. L. Cox that provides ineffective and effective ways to reduce bias.

Being an ally is rooted in the recognition of your power and privilege and the decision to use your privileges to uplift others. The information below discusses effective ways to be an ally to those historically silenced and underrepresented.

10 Common Things Well-Intentioned Allies Do That Are Actually Counterproductive – An article discussing how allies make mistakes and how to correct those mistakes.

Allyship: How to be Better Allies – A short video describing what an effective ally is, the importance of centering marginalized voices, and practical ways to display allyship.

Learning and Working Environment

The resources are divided into two sections, learning environment and working environment, to allow people to engage with material most relevant to their affiliation to Butler.

Students in a classroom during a lecture

DEI Learning Environment Resources

These resources primarily assist students, faculty, and staff in student-facing positions by providing information on how to support students and peers from underrepresented backgrounds and how to create opportunities for meaningful engagement.

DEI Learning Environment Resources

Several people together, with one person talking in the middle of the group of people

DEI Working Environment Resources

These resources will guide faculty and staff in learning about the diversity of social experiences among team members and how to practice inclusivity in the workplace.

DEI Working Environment Resources

INTERNAL RESOURCES

Site Search

DEI Learning and Professional Development Resources

Foundational Learning

Learning and Working Environment