Microaggressions are verbal, behavioral or environmental slights or insults directed towards others. Whether said intentionally or unintentionally, microaggressions communicate an underlying hostility or negative attitude based upon a dimension of the person's diversity. Even those of us who are committed to diversity and equality can unknowingly say or do something that communicates a microaggression, even to people we know and like.

Often referred to as "death by a thousand cuts," the research is clear: adults are deeply affected by experiencing microaggressions. When done to a child, however, a microaggression can have an impact that reverberates throughout their life and can forever change the way that child sees themself and their world.

This workshop examines microaggressions in the school setting, outlines its root cause and discusses its impact on both coworkers and the children we serve. School staff will also learn strategies to reduce the use of microaggressions, as well as how to effectively respond if they become the witness or victim to them.