White Privilege: What Does This Mean to Me as an Advisor? Venoreen Browne-Boatswain Susan LeBlanc Mary Moga

Setting expectations Why are you here today? What do you hope to leave with? Introduce presenters Why we are here Expectations and goals of today’s session – Provide a basic introduction to white privilege – Leave today with resources and ability to examine how white privilege plays a role in your day to day practice

Definitions Whiteness—a structuring property of social systems that norms the interests, needs, and values of whites. Includes identities, cultural representations, and social interactions. White privilege--An advantage, or immunity granted to or enjoyed by white persons beyond the common advantage of all others; an exemption in many particular cases from certain burdens or liabilities.

White Privilege Definitions Continued A special advantage or benefit of white persons; with reference to divine dispensations, natural advantages, gifts of fortune, genetic endowments, social relations, etc. A privileged position; the possession of an advantage white persons enjoy over non-white persons.

Definitions Continued “Privilege exists when one group has something of value that is denied to others simply because of the groups they belong to, rather than because of anything they’ve done or failed to do. Access to privilege doesn’t determine one’s outcomes, but it is defiantly as asset that makes it more likely that whatever talent, ability, and aspirations a person with privilege has will result in something positive for them.” ~Peggy McIntosh

Mirrors of Privilege: Making Whiteness Visible

Discussion Break in to small groups of 4-5 – What is your reaction to the video? – What are some ways that white privilege are identified? – How have you seen white privilege in your day to day life? Share 1 thing with the larger group that you discussed

Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack”, by Peggy McIntosh Spend 5 minutes reading Small discussion to follow

Discussion In groups of 4-5, please reflect on the list you just heard – Are there other examples of white privilege you can think of? Which statements stood out for you? – What examples of white privilege you have seen or experienced on campus? – How does this system of privilege impact us as advisors? How does it impact our students?

Demographic Shift The following charts are courtesy of Tom Gillaspy, State Demographer Projected shift in racial/ethnic mix of students

Minnesota’s Younger Population Is Much More Diverse Than The Older 2007 ACS, courtesy of Tom Gillaspy-State Demographer

Students Of Color Are Increasing While White Students Are Declining Mn Dept of Education data, courtesy of Tom Gillaspy-State Demographer

Minority Graduates Will Be An Increasing Share Of Minnesota High School Graduates Mn Office of Higher Education and State Demographer, Tom Gillaspy

So, now what? Awareness is the first step Learning never ends The White Privilege Conference: Resource List Any final questions?

Closing thoughts “White Privilege is the other side of racism. Unless we name it, we are in danger of wallowing in guilt or moral outrage with no idea of how to move beyond them. It is often easier to deplore racism and its effects than to take responsibility for the privileges some of us receive as a result of it… once we understand how white privilege operates, we can begin addressing it on an individual and institutional basis.” ~Paula Rothenberg