ILROB 3230

Advancing Racial Equity in Organizations

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2021-2022.

We are witnessing a drastic shift in organizations 'actions, statements, and approaches to the topic of race and racism in the U.S. Protests against racial injustice across the nation have spurred business leaders to pledge support for antiracism efforts, Black-owned businesses, and historically Black colleges and universities. At the same time, the federal government has issued an executive order to end diversity and inclusion training that "perpetuates racial stereotyping or division" for federal employees and their contractors. The purpose of this course is to identify and understand the role of workplaces in advancing racial equity. Students will develop knowledge on diversity and inclusion in organizations through a racial equity lens. By centering the experiences Black people and other people of color in the U.S. workplace, we will nuance how intersecting systems of inequality affect multiple groups (e.g., women of color, queer people of color, etc.). We will first deepen our understanding of concepts related to racial equity (i.e., antiracism, systemic racism). We will also assess how legal precedents and labor moments in history fortified systemic racism in the workplace. Then, we will examine barriers and potential solutions to advancing racial diversity, equity, and inclusion in contemporary and future workplaces. Students will demonstrate their learning through writing personal reflections, analyzing case studies, and participating in virtual simulations and experiential activities.

When Offered Fall.

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