Intersections of Identity: Preparing College Educators for Important Conversations

Intersectionality is a term that refers to one’s multiple and layered identities. We want to provide a space to prepare educators for, the sometimes challenging yet extremely important, conversations as one explores the intersections of identity in higher education. Several Knowledge Community leaders have come together to create a toolkit demonstration to prepare educators to engage in this space. Join us for a session in conversation, practice, and exploration.

8:00 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.:

  • Introductions - Brian & Erica
  • (facilitators only / overview of session)
  • Name
  • Institution
  • Role
  • Identities, intersections
  • “Why you’re here”/ interest in these topics

8:15 a.m. - 8:25 a.m.:

  • Sharing of a personal story. - 5 minutes per, 10 minutes total
  • Need a volunteer or two - Chuck, Ana
  • Make this a positive, personal experience
  • Finding common ground from story-telling, even while having boundaries with students and staff

8:25 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.:

  • Explain Round Group Topics / Move to Tables - Brian and Erica

8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.: 15 minutes per round

  • Round 1 - personal stories, re-introductions, identities most salient and wanting to get out of the conversation. Standard preliminary questions (created by Brian/Erica).
  • Amber’s activity, Intersections, ranking of identities (Identity Wheel of sorts) -
  • Round 2 - Intermingle with new people, different topics at each table. Variety of questions (created by each facilitator). Rotate tables a couple of times throughout the session. Rotation?
  • Round 3 - repeat round 2
  1. Religion, indigenous people, language and citizenship –

Asma, Judith, Zach, and Cody

  1. Gender and Sexuality - Aaron and Justin
  2. Class, Privilege, and Socio-economic Status - Jabari
  3. Undocumented students, religious diversity, and politics - Sara and Queena
  4. Disabilities and Institutional Power - Chuck
  5. Veteran status, sexism, and ageism - Amber
  6. Women, race, and leadership - Ana and Kelley

5 Distinct Questions Each

Start with individual identities

Overlap identities, intersections in questions 2-4

Last question can relate to larger group discussion (invisible/visible identities, privilege)

9:15a.m - 9:25 a.m.:

  • Larger Groups -
  • Share outward, not ‘outing’ anyone else’s story, but talking about the learning from the group.
  • Gives opportunities for several individuals to share and summarize conversations
  • Broader questions that overlap multiple identities?
  • Aspects of privilege and invisible vs visible marginalization?
  • Multiple identities compound the challenges one might face

Questions for larger group:

As you rotated to different tables, how were you able to build trust with those you just met?

What are some key suggestions or common themes that helped you as you discussed the identities at your tables?

In what ways does privilege play a role in having these conversations?

Given that this session is all about intersections of identity, what aspects of your layered identities make it harder or easier to have these in-depth conversations?

What additional suggestions would you have if you tried to replicate this type of a conversation on your own campus?

9:25 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

  • Quick Video (5 min) to demonstrate visual way to engage students and staff, additional discussion, relevance to pop culture, etc

9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m:

  • Training “What To Do”
  • Quick Case Study - Talking to other professionals about these identities
  • Large group discussion - debrief
  • Notes from case study for follow-through, share with group after session

Case Study Draft

As anexcellent Student Affairs Professional, you take pride in supporting your many students and staff through intentional conversations. After the Presidential Election, many students and staff have indicated concerns about the polarization of the campus community. Some are very excited about the Election result while others feel further marginalized.

First, talk a bit about your own campus climate at the table. What are some of the immediate concerns shared by students and staff members about the tensions surrounding the election and subsequent months?

You and a co-worker in your office have very different views and identities. The recent election has raised tensions even within your office space, and not just on campus. When you speak with this co-worker, they don’t seem to respect your support/rejection of the Trump Presidency and how it affirms/negates your beliefs and values.

What are your initial suggestions for addressing this conflict? What resources or support might be needed to improve your work environment? How can colleagues around the country or through NASPA support you individually as you navigate your on campus relationships?

The Vice President of Student Affairs has noted your openness to share your identities and asks you to be a part of a panel for the campus, talking about how we can have a stronger campus through diverse faculty, staff, and students.

What would be some of your hesitations or concerns with accepting this opportunity? What might be some of the opportunities if you were to share your identities to the entire campus?

Finally, we want to bring it back to the intersections of identity focus of our session today.

How might the intersections of your identities complement or contrast those of others on your campus as you have difficult conversations about politics, religion, race, sexuality, abilities, and other tough topics? How can your institution provide better training and dialogue opportunities regarding identity development and multiculturalism?

9:45 a.m. - 9:55 a.ma.m.:.:

  • Q&A and take -aways
  • Handouts, lots of links, books, articles
  • General tips when engaging these topics
  • Building toolkit throughout the year
  • Can we post this on the NASPA website? Email the group…
  • Send to KC leaders for distribution

9:55 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

  • Additional Resources
  • Videos, articles, books, etc.

Play the one in one hundred video:

More resources - full page? Also send out via social media or email?

- excellent documentary about military service members and sexual assault. Found on Netflix in full… [Amber adding that IW is a good documentary but it is very white-centric and heteronormative conforming, there are several other women veteran films that are more diverse and offer a wider narrative on women veteran experience. You can find some listed here: , popular male-centered narratives are Alive Day, Restrepo, WarTorn]

*Resources sent out to attendees AND posted on the NASPA website