Research Guides: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: What's an ally? (includes classroom tips)

Being an ally

Being an ally means many things. It starts with reflecting on one's own identity, and on society's dominant identities. The next step is recognizing others' identities and the ways those identities are privileged or marginalized in society. Allies are willing to see these differences and to make an effort to promote equity -- eliminating "otherness" even while acknowledging difference. Allies do not speak for or over the communities they support -- they stand with them. It's hard, it takes practice, but it makes for genuine community.

The idea of allyship is not about intent or feelings . . . feeling bad about oppression isn't allyship. Roxanne Gay notes, in the essay cited below:

"Black people do not need allies. We need people to stand up and take on the problems borne of oppression as their own, without remove or distance. We need people to do this even if they cannot fully understand what it's like to be oppressed for their race or ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, class, religion, or other marker of identity. We need people to use common sense to figure out how to participate in social justice."

Gay explains in her essay that she came to this understanding after a conversation with Ta Nahesi Coates who told her, "I think one has to even abandon the phrase 'ally' and understand that you are not helping someone in a particular struggle; the fight is yours."

Gay, Roxanne, 2016. On Making Black Lives Matter. Marie Claire [online] Available at: https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a21423/roxane-gay-philando-castile-alton-sterling/

Allies or Co-Conspirators?
Professor and author Dr. Bettina Love explains the difference between being an ally and a co-conspirator -- someone who uses their privilege to take risks for racial justice.
The Guide to Allyship
A clear guide to allyship by amélie lamont.

Resources for Being an Ally

Cultural Competence in a Multicultural World
The Community Toolbox is a service of the Center for Community Health and Development at the University of Kansas. This chapter covers a number of important topics to help people understand culture, diversity, and inclusion, and to be allies
Definitions and Concepts: Colorblindness, Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity
this article by Gordon Nagayma Hall, PhD, Professor of Psychology is from University of Oregon's Office of Diversity and Inclusion. What's the problem with being "colorblind?" Professor Hall explains how it undermines diversity, equity and inclusion.
On Making Black Lives Matter
Roxanne Gay's essay, quoted above, addresses the dangers of allyship and what it should mean.
Teaching Beyond the Gender Binary in the University Classroom
This article from Vanderbilt University describes a variety of gender inclusive pedagogical practices including how and when to ask students about their preferred names and pronouns (hint: not out loud in class on the first day). The article also includes helpful definitions.

Addressing microagressions

Addressing Microaggressions in the Classroom
University of Washington's Center for Teaching & Learning created this resource to help faculty anticipate the ways that bias is likely to arise in your online learning environment and consider the most equitable and educational ways to address it. The information and strategies here encourage instructors to address microaggressions before they happen, as well as when.
Tool: Interrupting Microaggressions
A practical chart from UC Santa Cruz, with examples of microaggressions and suggested interventions and communication tips.
Tool: Recognizing Microaggressions and the Messages They Send
A practical tool, organized thematically, with examples. Adapted from Sue, Derald Wing, Microaggressions in Everyday Life: Race, Gender and Sexual Orientation, Wiley & Sons, 2010, by UC Santa Cruz Academic Affairs.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: What's an ally? (includes classroom tips)

Being an ally

Resources for Being an Ally

Addressing microagressions

'Ask Me': What LGBTQ Students Want Their Professors to Know from The Chronicle of Higher Education