The
Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression
There was an incident
where I experienced a personal bias on a professional level. I work for a
University and I have experienced other co-workers who have graduated from the
University receive much higher pay than those who graduated from other schools.
I am talking about a $700 to $2,000 a month difference, when some of the lesser
paid had more experience. There is definitely favoritism going on in that
situation. The director definitely exhibited bias in this situation. She always
think that the students who graduated from that particular University knows
more, and it is as plain as day that some of those graduates do not have a clue
as to what’s going on in early childhood.
Also, that bias diminishes
equity because everyone was not treated fairly. You cannot put some people
above others because of the school they attended. That is wrong and unfair and
no part of equity is in that situation. It was very clear what was happening,
and it was wrong. She had bias and prejudice towards employees who did not
graduate from the University in which we were employed. This made me feel
unvalued and unappreciated. I felt like I had to go above and beyond to get
what I deserved, when it was just handed to others.
In conclusion, I really
think that the director’s opinion of others would have to change for there to
be greater equity. I think that some of the employees have definitely shown her
that her thinking was wrong, but it took a lot of effort before she began to
see the value in the other staff. People often deal with bias such as
education, but they do not talk about it.
Hi Michele,
ReplyDeleteWow! That situation is horrible! The bias that was shown was definitely wrong! I could see being paid based on level of education, but not being based on where you received your education. I am sure this was stressful and a difficult experience. The pro-active stance of the employees has surely helped her thinking. Great post!
Kristi