I work in the DEI field.

Anonymous

October 18,2023 at 5:34PM UTC

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I work in the DEI field. I’m in my 3rd year at the organization, the first DEI Director they have ever hired. Individuals and groups have been coming to me with examples of micro aggressions and macro aggressions. I chose the DEI field partially because I experienced racism as a child and young adult.

I am a senior administrator and always collaborate with my colleagues. I’ve been noticing that the consequences of these incidents are performative and dismissive. When I try to speak to my boss and colleagues I am told to stay out of it or the incidents are minimized. I’m looking to find another position with another organization. Can any of you suggest what to do in the meantime? proactive and helpful comments only.

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AnonymousOctober 19,2023 at 12:14PM UTC
Do you have the freedom and resources to conduct training events? It sounds like you’re set up to just react to incidents in a system that’s full of them.
If you have the resources, freedom (and patience) to be proactive and do what you can to change the current culture, you could really make a difference.
It will take a lot of grace and patience, because in order to be heard you need to meet people where they are at. Anger and exasperation will only feed resentment and make it worse.
You said you were the first, so you can make a big difference. Change is slow; It shouldn’t be, but it is.
AnonymousOctober 19,2023 at 12:56PM UTC
I sense that lines are being blurred, possibly. When I hear about micro or macro aggressions, this sounds more like an HR issue rather than something for a DEI Director to manage. Are there clear responsibilities for each lane?
Can you offer some training courses on emotional intelligence or aggressions? As a senior DEI administrator, I'm sure you have a long-term strategy that includes both goals and objectives to help curb employee aggressions towards each other.
I'd revisit your job description to see what falls fully into your sphere of influence and then execute. Best of luck in your next steps.