Letter to the Editor: A Push for Faculty & Staff Sensitivity Training

My name is Lyric Mitchell and I am currently the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chairwoman for the Student Government Association. I am writing you in regard to the recent assignment that a professor at our university put out that has perturbed some students in her classroom. The content of this assignment was very insensitive and poorly evaluated. As a result, Ms. Abigail Fabre had this to say, “I was infuriated that we were even given that question and I wasn’t going to answer and receive a failing grade. I emailed her addressing it and she ignored the question entirely even when I sent another email to clarify the question.” 

With this student quote in mind I strongly encourage Frostburg faculty and staff to take a diversity and sensitivity training. This training can increase cultural awareness, the inclusion of different identity groups and promote better teamwork. Students on campus are required to attend a two-hour diversity workshop as first year students and this shouldn’t just be a requirement for students but for everyone who attends Frostburg whether it be students, staff or faculty. I envision this training would impact our campus in a constructive light and apprise faculty and staff of issues students face in the classroom and community. While completing my training during the diversity workshop it has changed my outlook on my community and how compact things you say have a huge affect on someone else, even if it doesn’t appear to be a big deal to you.

I undoubtedly anticipate that Frostburg’s Faculty and Staff take this training into deliberation for the sake of our current and incoming students.

Sincerely,

Chairwoman Mitchell