The “Little White Lie:” An Exercise to Explore the Relevance of Diversity Curriculum

Authors

Kristine F. Hoover, Assistant Professor, Department of Organizational Leadership, Gonzaga UniversityFollow
Lazarina Topuzova, Assistant Professor, Department of Organizational Leadership, Gonzaga UniversityFollow
Heather M. L., Graduate, Department of Communication and Leadership (Class of 2013), Gonzaga UniversityFollow

Document Type

Praxis

Abstract

Compared to the previous decade, fewer incoming college students see racism as a major problem in America (Sax et al. 2001). While there are many complex variables that contribute to persistent racism, we argue that forms of both overt and covert racism are in part perpetuated by our language. This paper offers a concrete example of how educators in business schools in Jesuit institutions of higher education can infuse justice/social responsibility into our curricula (Spitzer 2010). The classroom activity, as described, is designed for a traditional face-to-face undergraduate classroom. Grounded in the principles of Ignatian pedagogy, this exercise provides a practical tool to contextualize the power of language of today’s Millennial college student, surfacing the connotations of power and privilege, while supporting student experience, reflection, and action.

Recommended Citation

Hoover, Kristine F.; Topuzova, Lazarina; and M. L., Heather. "The “Little White Lie:” An Exercise to Explore the Relevance of Diversity Curriculum." Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal Vol. 2: No. 1 (2013) . Available at: https://epublications.regis.edu/jhe/vol2/iss1/12