Workshops offer judgement-free zone to learn how to be an ally

Janani Hariharan, James Nagy, Anissa Rahadiningtyas, Trevor Donadt, and Natalia Lopez Barbosa comprise a panel for the November workshop

Janani Hariharan, James Nagy, Anissa Rahadiningtyas, Trevor Donadt, and Natalia Lopez Barbosa comprise a panel for the November workshop. Image provided.

January 22, 2020

Soil and crop sciences doctoral candidate Eugene Law noticed a pattern when facilitating an Intergroup Dialogue Project workshop. Students wanted to become better allies to those from historically marginalized communities, but did not know how to start the conversation. This reluctance to ask questions can make students feel less effective as potential allies.

In response, Law, with other members of the GPSA’s Diversity and International Student Committee (DISC) and in collaboration with the Graduate School Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement, developed the Building Allyship workshop series. The series, says Law, creates a place where both experienced and potential allies can learn from each other without fear of judgement.

Read Workshops Offer… by Katya Hrichak at the Graduate School website