Task Force Releases Document
Tools to spur action on racial justice
The university’s Racial Justice Task Force released a discovery document after an eight-month process in which the group’s 114 members identified practices at Bentley that sustain systemic racism. The 32-page document, “Framing for the Future: Committing to Racial Equity at Bentley,” describes four patterns of behavior that have prevented Bentley from achieving racial equity and justice.
Status Quo over Awareness
Bentley is a historically and predominantly white institution. The lack of representation creates blind spots that prevent people from questioning assumptions or cultural norms. Consequently, there is little value placed on learning about race and racism because there is little awareness that these phenomena exist in the community.
Appearance over Substance
The culture at Bentley rewards those who preserve the appearance of perfection, not those who reveal concerns. Difficult conversations are avoided, especially when race is involved. People who raise a concern are often blamed rather than encouraged. This results in a lack of transparency and accountability because issues are not identified.
Content over Process
A sense of urgency drives the culture, allowing little room for discovery and long-term thinking. Priority is placed on achieving more, faster; only outcomes that can be measured are valued. Short-term impact takes precedence, limiting the ability to understand the true, long-term cost of decisions. There is a false confidence in objectivity and meritocracy, with little regard for systemic inequality, resulting in policies that favor those in the majority.
Isolation over Collaboration
Power and decision-making are concentrated in silos. Access to information is controlled, limiting the potential for inclusive and informed decisions. There is no effort made to solicit different perspectives, as those in power assume they can make the best decision for everyone. Decisions are made for, not with, those most impacted, resulting in unintended consequences.
Investing in Action
The task force identified three areas where students, faculty, staff and alumni can take action, including investing in: Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities; intentional anti-racist knowledge and skill development; and the institutionalization of systems and practices that ensure racial justice and equity.
In April, Board Chair and then-Interim President Paul Condrin ’83, P ’19 ’22 created an Inclusive Excellence Council to implement the task force’s recommendations, including launching a campus-wide climate survey and developing a racial equity plan — the first two recommendations from the task force.
Task force co-chair Katie Lampley ’96 encourages members of the community to explore the task force’s document and identify actions that they can take.