Social Justice
Action Plan
Established 6/5/2020
Introduction
Black Lives Matter.
The Student Programs & Engagement team will put that statement into action through this Social Justice Action Plan.
Why is SP&E doing this?
We have created this plan in the wake of the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade and overarching racial injustice. This page is one way to hold Student Programs & Engagement accountable to our mission of creating a sense of belonging and affirming Black identities. Here, we will outline our commitments, advertise educational programs, share resources, and document what we have done – not just what we have said. Our statements must, and will, become our actions.
Who is this for?
Make no mistake: our primary goal is in the wake of these events is to more equitably serve and support the experiences of Black students at Bentley. That includes both support to Black students – elevating Black voices, sharing resources for support, and putting into action our commitment of solidarity. It also includes better educating ourselves and students who do not identify as Black on ways we can engage in allyship and anti-racist work. Elevating, supporting, and standing with Black students is our number one priority within this plan. As we move forward, we will also explore ways to enhance this plan to also better serve the needs of other underrepresented student communities. We can and must do both.
What can I expect?
This page is meant to be regularly updated and will evolve over time. We will add content and remove content in a way that balances student needs, current events, and upcoming opportunities, while keeping this page easy to navigate and digest. We invite members of the community to share feedback on what is included here, and to share any resources, programs, or relevant information you would like others to see. But to be clear, we see providing this information to students as our responsibility (it is not a marginalized student’s job to educate us or others), and we commit to updating content at least monthly (but certainly sooner as current events and upcoming opportunities dictate).
This plan contains a number of resources, opportunities, and other information. We want you to know in addition to these items that we – the SP&E staff – are also a resource. As you browse this page for things that might offer you some support and/or topics you are interested in learning about, please know that we are here to guide you and process your experiences. For those seeking support: don’t hesitate to reach out. For those looking to learn: we are on this learning journey with you. This content is just a start. We welcome feedback, community contributions, and opportunities to collaborate.
A Note About Language
We use the term “Black” throughout this page with the intention of being inclusive of various African, African American, Multiracial, and Black identities. How each student self-identifies is an individual decision. If you are a non-Black individual working to be a better ally, we suggest you ask folks how they individually identify.
New Resources for All Students
Resources added on 2/1/2021.
Books & Online Readings
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25 Amazing Books by African-American Writers You Need to Read
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"When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir" by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele
Movies & TV Shows to Stream
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Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - Available on Netflix
Miscellaneous Resources
Resources for Black Students
Resources for Black Students
We acknowledge the real and human frustration, exhaustion, and heartbreak you may be experiencing. Your trauma as a part of the Black community matters. Please feel free to explore any of these resources for support. Above all, know that we are here for you. Do not hesitate to reach out.
Online Reading
Mental Health Podcasts and Resources
Meditation App
SP&E's Anti-Racist and Social Justice Commitment
Student Programs & Engagement will finalize their 2022-2023 Social Justice Action Plan at the start of the Fall 2023 semester and will update this page with their new goals
Interested in reading Student Programs & Engagement's previous action plans for racial justice? View the two documents below.
Educational Opportunities
For all upcoming programming connected to social justice, please click here to be rerouted to the CampusGroups social justice events calendar or here to be rerouted to opportunities specific to racial justice.
Resources for Aspiring Allies
We encourage students looking to expand their allyship to explore these resources, depending on what you feel you may need. Some of these resources lend themselves well to being reviewed and discussed as a group. A key element of improving your multicultural awareness is that it is a constant, ongoing learning process. Our staff are available to process and debrief any of these resources with you. Feel free to reach out to us!
Resources for American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic or Latinx, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Multiracial Students
Tools for Supporting Oneself
Tools for Educating Oneself
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Video: Systemic Racism Explained
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Video: Equity Versus Equality
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Terminology: Allyship & Accountability Glossary
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Article: This ‘Equity’ picture is actually White Supremacy at work
Tools for Engaging in Action
Book List
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So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo
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The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
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Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson - Now a major film
Resources for White Students
Tools for Educating Oneself
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Video: Systemic Racism Explained
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Video: Equity Versus Equality
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Video: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
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Video: The danger of silence
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Video: Screaming in the Silence: How to be an ally, not a savior
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Terminology: Allyship & Accountability Glossary
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Introduction to White Privilege: Peggy McIntosh’s White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
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Reflection Opportunity: Anti-Racist Checklist for White People
Tools for Engaging in Action
Book List
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So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo
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White Fragility by Robin Diangelo
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Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
Additional Resources for Black Students
Please see above section, "Resources for Black Students" for resources for support.
Book List
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I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown
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Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Super Power by Brittney Cooper
Community Messages
June 2, 2020
To our Black students,
There is so much to hold and process right now. We acknowledge the real and human frustration, exhaustion, and heartbreak you may be experiencing in the wake of the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and overarching racial injustice.
As Black students at a predominantly White institution, we see you. We see what you do to make Bentley a better and brighter place for faculty, staff, and students alike. Your work matters. Your life matters. Your trauma as a part of the Black community matters. We are committed to examining what role we currently play, and how we can be better, in more equitably serving and supporting the experiences of Black students on our campus.
This Friday, we will begin a regular practice of sharing relevant information and resources related to these efforts on a new, dedicated page of BentleySPEak.com. Information posted here will include educational programs, trainings, student organization news, policies, and community messages as one way to hold our department accountable to living out our mission of creating a campus that provides a sense of belonging and affirms Black identities.
We are committing ourselves to you and to this important work.
In solidarity,
The Student Programs & Engagement Team