Common Ground Corner

Rankism workshop provides food for thought

By Lisa Miles
Office of Common Ground

Associate professor, administrative assistant, landscaper, dean. What effect do those titles have on the way that we treat one another on campus? With differing roles and perceptions, how does the staff combat the “rankism” that occurs on campus and find their common ground? That was the topic of a recent all-day workshop sponsored by the Office of Common Ground and facilitated by Founder’s Day speaker Dr. Felice Yeskel.

Participatory in nature, the workshop focused on issues of class in society as well as on campus. Of the 25 staff and faculty who attended, the consensus was that the workshop was productive. Suzie Reid of University Facilities enjoyed the exercise where people in a circle stepped forward if they identified with a statement that was made, such as whether they ever had a new bicycle as a child, or if they had a college degree. Said Reid, “When you see someone who has considerable status here comes from a broken home or a poor background, you learn that they might not be that different from you, and barriers are broken down.”

Jane Geaney of the Department of Religion concurred. “The workshop was important because it created a safe venue for staff members to express painful things about their treatment by students, faculty and senior administrators.”

“The challenge,” said Iria Jones of University Libraries “is how to take this information and transform it into action.” She admits she has seen many such efforts over the years at Richmond where people haven’t been held accountable and real change hasn’t occurred. All participants agreed that follow-up was necessary, and Common Ground has already scheduled the first follow-up meeting for participants. If you would like more information on “rankism” or have an interest in attending meetings on the topic, please contact Common Ground at 484-1655.