Wid Perry: The value of DEI training

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Published: 01-16-2025 3:03 PM

The online response to the recorder.com article on the hiring of Angela Campbell as Greenfield Community College’s first-ever vice president of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was both striking and depressing.

Some didn’t bother to read (or open) the article, immediately jumping to the typical political knee-jerk reaction to anything to do with buzzwords related to race and racism. Many incorrectly assumed, perceived, or stated that the hire itself was somehow related to affirmative action or that the VP of DEI would be hiring DEI-specific candidates to the GCC staff.

When those familiar with or involved in DEI training in the workplace or field of expertise tried to explain what DEI really is, those entrenched in their beliefs and political ideologies doubled down on their reactions without bothering to research the issue themselves or even consider alternative descriptions to their pre-conceived attitudes.

For the record, DEI training refers to educational programs and initiatives aimed at promoting awareness, understanding and action related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In the workplace, it means providing employees with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to create an environment that values and respects individuals from all backgrounds.

DEI training can involve workshops where participants engage in discussions, role-playing exercises, and real-world scenarios to help employees to explore unconscious bias, microaggressions, and inclusive communication. Such activities promote self-reflection, challenge biases, and equip individuals with the skills to foster an inclusive work environment, leading to behavioral changes that support DEI in the workplace.

I’ve been involved in DEI training in my workforce for the past four years and I have found it to be extremely helpful in improving the work environment.

Wid Perry

Greenfield

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