Education

‘White Privilege’ Checklist Posted At University of Minnesota

REUTERS/Craig Lassig

David Krayden Ottawa Bureau Chief
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Thanks to a checklist in the University of Minnesota (UMN) residence hall, students can easily identify their signs of “white privilege,” Campus Reform reports.

The aptly named “White Privilege Checklist” found posted in the Mark G. Yudof Hall contains 11 statements that are intended to prove the existence of white privilege on the basis of someone being white.

“I can arrange to be in the company of people of my race most of the time,” the list begins, next suggesting that the these same racial examples can be routinely identified in popular culture and discussions about national heritage.

“I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed,” the second item states.

Statement 5 suggests that the education system is entirely white-centric and that people of color have been banished from history.

In statement six we learn music is entirely dominated by whites as is the food in supermarkets and even the styles in hair salons.

“Whether I use checks, credit cards, or cash, I can count on my skin color not to work against the appearance of financial responsibility,” reads statement seven.

The interrogation culminates in a series of of accusations that white people are allowed to exhibit individualism without their beliefs or behaviors being seen as racially motivated.

“I am not made acutely aware that my shape, bearing, or body odor will be taken as a reflection on my race,” questionnaire continues, or “I can be late to a meeting without having the lateness reflect on my race.”

Evan Christenson, who reported the existence of the board to Campus Reform, said display is not helpful in the white privilege debate because the checklist “attacks the individual and not the idea,” and doesn’t encourage dialogue.

“I do believe it crosses the line. When it attacks the individual and not the idea, there is a problem,” Christenson said. “I am not inherently racist because I don’t believe in white privilege. I believe there needs to be dialogue on the subject but it needs to more of a give and take and not a one-sided affair.”

Christenson also referenced a “double standard” at UMN, because students who objected to a mural of President Donald Trump received emotional counseling but he believes there objections to the white privilege checklist won’t be taken seriously.

“I still consider myself a social progressive but I am quite frankly appalled by the double standard applied to free speech as of late,” he asserted.

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