Dismantling Privilege in School and Beyond

Over the last 20+ years I have been working with diversity and equity issues, sometimes with official titles, sometimes without. Standing up for others has become part of who I am and what I think I am supposed to do in this life. Currently working in an independent school, I have made no secret of the fact that I would love to lead a school in its diversity and inclusion efforts. And I also know that in many ways I already do. However, I am also quite conscious of the fact that I am a white, cisgender, hetero male. I am not exactly the common face of such efforts. I am aware that by virtue of this identity I may be seen with some question, doubt or confusion.

Weeks ago I attended my 4^th People of Color Conference. It was in Anaheim this year, so it was close enough to drive. Ta-Nehisi Coates was one of the keynote speakers. How could I not go?! Part of the tradition and work of this conference is affinity group work. For me that means a chance for dialogue with other white educators on this journey. This year in affinity groups I shared my desire and self-awareness regarding being a school’s diversity leader. A colleague nodded and said, “That’s not the job you want, you want to be the Director of Dismantling White, Male Privilege.” My group had a good laugh and we moved on, but not before I acknowledged that she had a very serious and valid point.

I’ve been thinking about that suggestion in the weeks since. Our schools are often hospitable places for those of the dominant culture. But what about everyone who isn’t male, or white, or cisgender, or able-bodied, or male, or Christian, or even wealthy (particularly in independent schools)? We’ve created educational systems and communities that support the power structures that have historically dominated.   

So why not Director of Diversity and Inclusion or Equity Coordinator?

What is “diversity” and what and who is it for? Who needs the diversifying? Who deems whom diverse? Who is the diversity for? Are we bringing in non-traditional or non-white students for the benefit of the kids we have? Are we using “diverse” kids to broaden the educational experience of others? Are we trying to help some kids, and if so, how do we guard against a savior complex? Or is it conceivable that diversity in educational environments actually has appositive impact for all involved?

Who is getting included and into what? How is inclusion different from tolerance? If we include others, what have we done to be sure “they” are successful? Do the systems that created the challenges we face get altered at all when we include the previously excluded?

I tend to like thinking about equity as our goal, but I can’t help but think of that graphic of the kids at the fence where we see the difference between equality and equity. The fence is too tall for two of the three kids. If we aim for equality we bring in the same size box for each of them to stand on, but that’s not enough to help one kid and it’s unnecessary for the tallest kid. If we aim for equity we bring in boxes according to each kid’s needs so they all see over the fence.

But what about tearing down the fence? What about tearing down the barriers?  What about dismantling the very structures that have caused the inequities we are trying to fix? What about working to dismantle the white, male, cisgender, heterosexual, Christian, aspirational structures and create new systems and structures that support the success of all? That’s what I want to do, create new structures and new paradigms to support and educate all students on their terms while getting them ready for the world at large.  To do so is to use our power as educators to actually create positive, long-lasting, deep, societal change. I want to dismantle white, male privilege and the structures it created and that support it.

Finally, I do not pretend to have answers. I don't know how to do this. I am not even sure if this is the best lens from which to do this work. But I am more than ready for the conversation. In fact, it's through the conversation that I know we make a better world for all.