Highlights from the spring preceptor learning event

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of participating in a workshop facilitated by Nadia Pabani, MScANH, RD, CDE and Meaghan Boddy, MPH, RD on Becoming an Anti-Racist Preceptor. The session was organized by alumni Safeena Jabar, RD. I was pleasantly surprised to see that a workshop geared to dietetic preceptors was available as a resource to help foster a “non-racist” learning environment for students. I too, could learn a thing or two about becoming a “non-racist” dietetic preceptor in the future. 

I had no clue I would come out of this session so inspired and fueled to create change! The facilitators created a brave space for participants to share their experiences and perspectives on racism. Nadia and Meaghan raised discussion questions that prompted participants to reflect on their implicit biases. They challenged assumptions that elicit racist attitudes and behaviours towards others. They also shared resources to support participants in being change agents. Undoubtedly, I learned a lot; I also recognized that there was a lot to unlearn. Below are my two main ’unlearnings’ from the workshop: 

Unlearning #1: Inaction automatically implies non-racism

I’d like to think I’m a compassionate, loving, and kind-hearted person, who treats everyone around me fairly. Maybe that’s why I would identify myself as “non-racist.” But here’s the deal; there’s no such thing as being a “non-racist.” Participating in this workshop made me realize how racism is a systemic issue. The very policies and systems in place are racist! Many people benefit from these systems without knowing it, while others are harmed. I learned that inaction is racism. To be an anti-racist means to take action that works toward a change in the system, for example, implementing a new policy where all people benefit, rather than a select few. Over time, these changes can influence systemic change. 

Anti-racism is identifying the root issues within a system (versus a person) and confronting inequities. It is about learning and acknowledging one’s own position and power in a system/society that is racist and taking action to foster a more equitable one. It’s about creating shared value and space to develop a sustainable, just and resilient society now and for generations to come. 

Unlearning #2: ”It’s not my responsibility, it’s theirs.”

Prior to the workshop, I believed that since preceptors were in a position of power (compared to students), it  would be the preceptor’s responsibility to ensure a “non-racist” learning environment for students. However, after the workshop, I recognized that anti-racism is a shared responsibility. The workshop activities and discussions were insightful in that I had the opportunity to hear dietetic preceptors’ stories and learn from their experiences with racism.. 

The presenters also shared the experiences of students who identify as black, indigenous, person of colour (BIPOC) with racism that really highlighted participants’ learning of how serious this issue is. Some preceptors shared initiatives that they were working on as a result of hearing from their BIPOC students, who encountered racism.  That’s when I realized how dietetic students can play a role in creating change. I believe student participation in future discussions with preceptors would be beneficial because both groups can learn from each other and identify strategies to foster an anti-racist learning environment. Since racism is a systemic issue, everyone can play a role in effecting change.

I recognize racism is one aspect underthe broader umbrella of discrimination. Racism, Sexism, Ageism – regardless of the “ism”, it’s still discrimination, and it must change. This workshop may be just the tip of the iceberg, but it’s a step forward toward making the change that is needed.

I would like to thank Ryerson University for organizing this workshop, and for engaging such inspirational speakers that facilitated a deep and meaningful discussion. I’d also like to thank all dietetic preceptors who participated in this workshop for openly sharing their perspectives. Let’s stand together, learn together, and create change together!

To learn more about “anti- racism” check out the following resource that was recommended by the workshop facilitators: North, A. (2020). What it means to be anti-racist. Vex. https://www.vox.com/2020/6/3/21278245/antiracist-racism-race-books-resources-antiracism (external link) .