- I feel the course syllabus is a critical tool to communicate with the students. It is a document that they refer to throughout the term. Therefore, I will be including a diversity statement and a blurb on commitment to intersectionality. I am sharing my proposed verbiage here which is adapted from Fuentes et al., 2020:
Commitment to Intersectionality: [Adapted from Fuentes et al., 2020]
In my effort to foster a safe environment which is conducive to learning, it is my commitment to you as your instructor to minimize systemic forces of oppression within the classroom (such as ableism, classism, racism, sexism, transphobia, and heterosexism). I would like to acknowledge that we are all individuals with multiple sociocultural identities that intersect and shape our worldview through the lens of privilege and oppression. I ask that you also join me in this commitment to foster respect for one another, enhance solidarity, and build community.
Diversity Statement: [Adapted from Fuentes et al., 2020]
It is my goal to create a safe environment in the class. To this end, I expect us all to engage in classroom discussions that reflect respect to all, while being sensitive to differing views of others. This approach will pave the way for a positive learning experience for all. Furthermore, I encourage self-care ask my students to adopt a pattern of open and timely communication. We all have unique circumstances we may be dealing with, therefore, if need arises and you need a “self-care” or “mental health” break to recuperate/rejuvenate, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Additionally, I deeply honor, and would like to celebrate, diverse religious and cultural holidays; therefore, I ask my students to let me know in advance if they need time off to celebrate their respective holiday(s).
2. The scholar whose research and clinical work inspires me is Dr. Rania Awaad who is a clinical and research faculty at Stanford University. Her work focuses on topics related to Muslim mental health and history of mental health practices in the Islamic world. Her profile can be accessed here: https://profiles.stanford.edu/Rania_Awaad
