Ongoing DEI employee training at ASU

Presenting intersectionality as the truth of the matter

In my last post, I covered the Goldwater Institute’s letter to ABOR asking for real oversight of the state universities. It is contrary to state law to teach race blame theories in public classrooms or to require employees to take training courses that teach race blame.

One example of ASU’s ongoing use of DEI training videos is a class titled “ASU Inclusive Communities.” This asks employees to watch videos teaching about whiteness and intersectionality and then answer t/f questions that require the employee to agree with these theories. I have screenshots of these questions.

Another example is ASU’s use of the course “understanding intersectionality.” This course begins by saying, “Diversity and inclusion are only the start and we must go deeper to understand the experience of marginalized groups.” From there, the course presents the philosophy of intersectionality as if it is the truth of the matter and must be agreed to by all employees. This course teaches employee to identify their privilege. They are privileged if they are not part of a minority or persecuted group. The instructor self-identifies as gay and genderqueer. Being in those groups means that the instructor needs what the class calls an “ally.” These are people who will check their own privilege and help support someone who is discriminated against.

All of the information in these classes traces to the theories of the activist Kimberlé Crenshaw. It is one thing to teach about what Prof. Crenshaw said. It is another to teach it as the truth of the matter and as required beliefs for all employees. This goes beyond ASU’s values of access for all, requiring an entire philosophy that many believe is false.

Parents and students, it is worth your time to find out about these training videos so you know what your professors are made to believe. Legislators, this is what you must look into.