FAQs

The Anti-Racism ERG (ARERG), which is open to all employees, is intended to foster understanding and awareness among people who identify as white about the barriers to dismantling systemic racism from the perspective of the majority racial group. The primary goal of the new ERG will be to provide a home for those who are seeking a brave space to learn, discuss, and reflect on ways to raise their self-awareness and grow their ability to act as effective agents for change in fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment for all.  

Membership is open to all current Duke University or DUHS employees in good standing (no active correction action) who support the goals of the Employee Resource Group. To join the conversation, please Contact Us.

While the group is open to all, the focus of activities will be to foster understanding and awareness among people who identify as white about the barriers to dismantling systemic racism from the perspective of the majority racial group.  

Activities will include regular programs and educational events dedicated to raising awareness on topics such as development of racial identity, dismantling of systemic and institutional racism, mitigating implicit bias, and fostering cross-racial cultural awareness and unity.  Members will engage deeply in study, discussion, and reflection through participation in panel discussions, book and film studies, small group activities, and community building events.  

No one is born racist or anti-racist; these result from the choices we make. Being anti-racist results from a conscious decision to make frequent, consistent, equitable choices daily. These choices require ongoing self-awareness and self-reflection as we move through life. In the absence of making anti-racist choices, we (un)consciously uphold aspects of white supremacy, white-dominant culture, and unequal institutions and society. Being racist or anti-racist is not about who you are; it is about what you do. (Source National Museum of African-American History & Culture) 

A safe space is typically defined as an environment where individuals feel physically and emotionally secure, and where they are free from judgment, harassment, and discrimination. In a safe space, individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their experiences. A safe space is undoubtedly essential for building trust and establishing a sense of community among teams.  

On the other hand, a brave space is a place where individuals feel encouraged to speak up and share their perspectives, even when they might be outside the norm, uncomfortable, or challenging. In a brave space, individuals are expected to speak freely, confront their biases, challenge their assumptions, and engage in constructive dialogue. A brave space is where individuals feel empowered to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from one another. (Source KaPri Consulting)

Group members will actively support, collaborate with, and strive to be accountable to other racial affinity-based groups at Duke such as ME² Black Employee Resources Group, BLACKtivate, Duke Advancing Latiné/Hispanic Excellence (¡DALHE!), Juntos, and Duke Asian American Pacific Islander Affinity Group (AAPI).   

Yes! We encourage you to attend as many sessions as you are able, even if you haven’t completed the reading. 

Please register to help us plan for the discussion and so that we can send you additional updates and reminders.