With the McGinn scandal getting widespread discussion (see here, here, here, and here), it's worth highlighting a recent event I attended that aimed to improve the experiences of minorities in philosophy: the Diversity in Philosophy Conference, organized by Peggy DesAutels, Carla Fehr, and Sally Haslanger, held last week at the University of Dayton. The conference was followed by a one-day Site Visit Workshop.
Topics discussed at the conference included not only sexual harassment, but also the particular challenges faced by those who fit more than one minority group ("intersectionality"); suggestions for improving pedagogical practices; particular issues faced by women, racial minorities, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities; implicit bias and stereotype threat; how to improve undergraduate retention, and more. It was attended by over 150 philosophers from across the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere. Discussions were lively, productive, and thought-provoking.
The Site Visit Workshop was for philosophy faculty who wish to be trained to be members of site visit teams. Philosophy Departments can request site visits from the APA Committee on the Status of Women; goals of site visits include helping departments analyze the climate issues for women and other minorities particular to their own setting and making recommendations based on proven best practices.
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