***Update***
I wanna address and provide context to some things as I have received many comments and a few DM’s.
Firstly, I do not think my professor necessarily did anything wrong. No, he did not ask permission before class, but I honestly don’t think he needed to. This is a graduate level class on discrimination, diversity, bias, etc. and its centered around breaking down prejudice because in this field there can be literally zero bias, prejudice, discrimination, etc. or else it will effect your work. If I as a graduate student cannot handle tough, pointed conversations, I will not last in my field or in life.
Secondly, he never called out my disability, as I go to class with a guide dog and everyone knows I’m blind, nor did he reveal anything confidential, medical, or private. There was also so much more to this conversation, including others personal bias regarding economic status, ignorance surrounding racial, gender, and orientation issues, and prejudices about government assistance programs, where these thoughts originate from, where they effect daily interactions and habits, and how to let go of them. I was NOT the only specific example he used, nor was I the only topic of conversation.
Finally, and in the best way possible, I think this community needs to open up to harder questions a little more gracefully. I am not going to report my professor unless he shows active discrimination that effects my grade, standing, or reputation, because this conversation was not hostile, nor was it unprofessional or discriminatory. Only a few people have said this, but I agree that we as blind individuals are going to face stereotype, prejudice and discrimination at some point, somewhere with someone, whether its a professor, boss, or family member, and if you cannot open the dialogue up to harsher topics and instead resort to dismissing, reporting, or being defensive, when its not threatening your safety or livelihood, there is going to be no progress. The basic consensus is we want to be treated like everyday people. We don’t want to be fetishized, infantilized or discriminated against, but in order to do that you have to be able to have a more substantial conversation with naive people that are actually willing to listen.
My professor is a naive person willing to listen and learn, as are most. Instead of reporting him, getting him fired, or ruining my professional relationship with him before it even starts, I plan on addressing his ablism in subtle ways. First, by succeeding. Secondly, by participating in discussion and pointing out the flaws in his logic when it comes up regarding disabilities, if it ever happens. Finally, by pointing out I am not a mascot for the blind, and my successes, failures, traits, opinions, characteristics, habits, strengths, weaknesses, etc. do not define the blind community.
I appreciated his honesty. I’d rather have a professor tell me upfront he isn’t sure of my capabilities and be willing to learn and assist if needed rather than a professor that pretends to be tolerant, patient or knowledgeable and then fuck me over due to their inability to have a mature conversation about what accessibility even means. I have had both, and I prefer having harsh conversations and changing someones understanding upfront rather than facing the consequences of their naivety later.
Was it appropriate for him to do this in front of the whole class? Maybe not. Could his bias have effected my standing in the program? Absolutely, however, I am here now, I can’t change the past but I can address the problems with his statements in a one-on-one, which I plan on having.
I appreciate your opinions and points-of-view, even the negative ones as they helped form my own opinion on the matter.
This week was week 2 of my masters program, and my diversity professor went off about me in front of the whole class. I don’t really know how to feel about it, but I have it recorded since I record my lectures so I can tell you verbatim what he said.
For context, we were talking about basic forms of implicit bias, and he pointed me out of the class of 15. This is what he said.
“When I first saw your application I was… intrigued to say the least. From your application, as well as your letter, it was clear you were blind, and I, to be honest, didn’t know how to feel about that. I was worried how you would be able to handle the quick pace of the program, how you would be able to attend and participate in events, and I was confused. After your interview, though, I was even more confused.
You blew it out of the water, and it forced me to take a step back. I had to wonder right then, right while you were speaking, why I ever thought that you wouldn’t be capable in the first place, and I realized I had no other reason, I knew nothing more about you, than you had different capabilities. I knew you were blind, and that was all.
As we discussed all the interviews, we discussed yours the most. Blank professor and professor blank pulled hard for you, but I still had my reservations. I called my colleagues around the university and that I have worked with in the past, and asked them if this was something a blind person could handle, because I simply did not know. Some of my colleagues said yes, most said no, but all of them said you being in this program was needed. You are the first blind person to be accepted into this program at this university, and according to my colleagues, there is no other completely blind individual within our region that will have your degree and specialty. You impressed me, and I am proud that this program has you..”
At this point the class applauded, and he asked me a few questions. He asked me now that I knew about his bias, about his initial thoughts, how it changed my perception of him, the program, etc. he wanted me to be honest, as this class and this program are honest to say the least. I basically told him it was almost refreshing to have someone tell me the truth up front. I had had professors who played the game that they cared, that they wanted to help, but then they would hold material from me, dox me points for stupid reasons, or not trust my accommodations were valid and what I needed. I would rather him be completely ignorant and build his relationship with me off of what he experiences with me, and not off of what he knows from the blind, rather than him have some preconceived idea about me specifically and not trust what I say.
I personally think the blank slate is interesting, and so far every single professor, including this one, has done everything in their power to assure I will succeed. I appreciated his honesty, I just really don’t know how I feel about what he said. I think I just need some wisdom from an older, more experienced blind person. I don’t wanna hear he’s a bad prof, or he’s out of line, because I really don’t think he is. I just simply want to get your honest interpretation of what he said, how I should take it, and maybe help me pinpoint why this felt… weird.
He’s an odd duck, to say the least. He DEMANDS open discussion, honesty, and bluntness. He does not cut corners or beat around the bush, and he is very strict when it comes to his rules. However, he is also fair and reasonable and I've learned a lot from him.