Unmasking Microaggressions: Resources

If you’ve embarked on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training for your staff, include a focus on microaggressions in the workplace. Once you’ve read “Unmasking Microaggressions” in the September 2021 issue of School Nutrition, use the resources below as training materials.

SNA Resources

• Article | “Unpacking the Fundamentals of DEI”
  Embracing differences with understanding, awareness, empathy and inclusion.
• Article | “Break Through the Bias Bottleneck”
  Commit to building more diverse and inclusive teams.
• Article | “Voices for Inclusion: We Can Do Better”
  SNA leaders and other stakeholders speak their minds on the state of diversity, inclusion and equity in the profession and the Association.
• On-Demand Webinar | Growing as an Intentional Inclusionist
  The first webinar in SNA’s new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Series; understand the essentials of intentional inclusion leadership as paramount to fostering a culture of belonging where all are respected, valued and given every opportunity to succeed.
• On-Demand Webinar | How to Become a More Inclusive Team Member
  Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) expert Dr. Nika White provides guidance to help you create a more inclusive environment, unlocks the secrets to great teamwork and shares how you can take small steps that will make a BIG difference every day!
• On-Demand Webinar | The Diversity Dilemma 
  This leadership workshop will challenge you to create true diversity and explore the myth that “difference automatically produces diversity.” Attendees will analyze how their organization(s) may be unknowingly impacted by the culture they have created or inherited. You’ll leave this session with the action steps you can take to address your own diversity dilemma.

Additional Resources

• Article | “Did You Really Just Say That?” | American Psychological Association
  Advice on how to confront microaggressions, whether you’re a target, bystander or perpetrator.
• Article | “When and How to Respond to Microaggressions” | Harvard Business Review
  You can respond to microaggressions in one of three ways: let it go, call it out immediately, bring it up at a later date. Here’s a framework for deciding which path is right for the situation and how to handle the conversation if you choose to have one.
• Interview | “Microaggressions Are a Big Deal: How to Talk Them Out and When to Walk Away” | National Public Radio
  An interview with Kevin Nadal, a professor of psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, who has spent years researching and writing books on the effects of microaggressions. As these big structural issues play out, he says it’s important to confront the small stuff.
• Online Course | Communicating About Culturally Sensitive Issues | LinkedIn Learning
  Principles and strategies that can help you have more productive, meaningful conversations on topics related to diversity.
• Research Study | “Racial Microaggressions in Everyday Life” | American Psychologist
  How racism in the form of racial microaggressions is particularly problematic for therapists to identify; propose a taxonomy of racial microaggressions with potential implications for practice, education and training, and research; and use the counseling/therapy process to illustrate how racial microaggressions can impair the therapeutic alliance.
• Toolkit | Anti-Racism Toolkit | Georgetown University Library
  Books, resources, and links to help fight racism. This is a living document that serves as a launching point for more extensive study and action.