Engaging in Authentic Allyship as Part of Our Professional Development

Abstract

Educational institutions increasingly recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts to combat and dismantle structures that sustain inequities. However, successful DEI work hinges on individuals being authentic allies and incorporating allyship into their professional development. Ally-ship involves members of dominant groups recognizing their privilege and engaging in actions to create inclusivity and equitable spaces for all. Individuals from dominant groups with desires to actively support others from marginalized groups are often unsure how to fight oppression and prejudice. Our goal as faculty with diverse perspectives and heterogeneous intersectional identities is to provide readers with the tools to develop as an authentic ally through educating themselves about the identities and experiences of others, challenging their own discomfort and prejudices, dedicating the time and patience to learning how to be an ally, and taking action to promote change toward personal, institutional, and societal justice and equality. Ultimately, each person must advocate for change because we all hold the responsibility. When everyone is an authentic ally, we all thrive and rise together.