{"presentation":{"slides":[{"elements":[{"x":14.347202295552368,"y":16.997167138810198,"width":71.30559540889527,"height":11.3314447592068,"action":{"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","params":{"text":"

Avoiding Racial Bias in Reference Letter Writing<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n"},"subContentId":"b9aa0e78-dfa9-4fd8-b596-c84918214644","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"alwaysDisplayComments":false,"backgroundOpacity":0,"displayAsButton":false,"buttonSize":"big","goToSlideType":"specified","invisible":false,"solution":""},{"x":14.347202295552368,"y":76.48725212464589,"width":71.73601147776183,"height":14.164305949008499,"action":{"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","params":{"text":"

These slides are adapted from a guide<\/a> written by Sora Kim and Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, members of the Earth Science Women's Network<\/span><\/p>\n"},"subContentId":"5e1e5b44-e8c1-46fe-8dc4-a8323b34e93a","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"alwaysDisplayComments":false,"backgroundOpacity":0,"displayAsButton":false,"buttonSize":"big","goToSlideType":"specified","invisible":false,"solution":""},{"x":11.477761836441895,"y":45.3257790368272,"width":76.04017216642755,"height":14.164305949008499,"action":{"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","params":{"text":"

Click through the slides for information on how to avoid common missteps due to biases surrounding race and gender in reference letters. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n"},"subContentId":"ea221379-115a-480d-aa8c-35424103ca89","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"alwaysDisplayComments":false,"backgroundOpacity":0,"displayAsButton":false,"buttonSize":"big","goToSlideType":"specified","invisible":false,"solution":""}],"slideBackgroundSelector":{}},{"elements":[{"x":4.298177905308465,"y":14.152492917847026,"width":84.64849354375897,"height":53.8243626062323,"action":{"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","params":{"text":"

Mention Research and Publications<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Letters of reference for scholars of colour can be considerably shorter and at times do not highlight publications or research quality, compared to letters for white scholars. <\/span><\/p>\n\n

Make sure you highlight critical research accomplishments in every letter. <\/span><\/p>\n"},"subContentId":"8d8cc16e-19db-43c5-b56d-21963fdeacf9","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"alwaysDisplayComments":false,"backgroundOpacity":0,"displayAsButton":false,"buttonSize":"big","goToSlideType":"specified","invisible":false,"solution":""}],"slideBackgroundSelector":{}},{"elements":[{"x":2.8664562410329983,"y":14.152492917847026,"width":91.82209469153516,"height":55.80736543909349,"action":{"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","params":{"text":"

Don't Stop Now!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n

In addition to being shorter, letters for racialized scholars are less likely to give ringing endorsements and only include minimal assurance ('they can do the job') or veiled praise ('surprisingly sharp') rather than a ringing endorsement ('they are the best for the job').<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Use adjectives like: <\/strong><\/span>Successful, Excellent, Accomplished, Outstanding, Skilled, Knowledgeable, Insightful, Resourceful, Confident, Ambitious, Independent, Intellectual<\/p>\n\n

Avoid adjectives like: <\/strong>Caring, Compassionate, Hard-Working, Conscientious, Dependable, Diligent, Dedicated, Tactful, Interpersonal, Warm, Helpful<\/p>\n"},"subContentId":"3807f317-7fd0-4512-a2d8-5b1df93ed3b3","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"alwaysDisplayComments":false,"backgroundOpacity":0,"displayAsButton":false,"buttonSize":"big","goToSlideType":"specified","invisible":false,"solution":""}],"slideBackgroundSelector":{}},{"elements":[{"x":4.298177905308465,"y":14.152492917847026,"width":88.95265423242468,"height":56.657223796033996,"action":{"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","params":{"text":"

Emphasize Accomplishments, Not Effort<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Letters for racialized scholars can overemphasize background and limitations faced over accomplishments. Emphasize accomplishments (their research 'skills' or 'career'). Do not use 'grindstone' adjectives that describe effort alone (i.e. 'hardworking') that associates with effort but not ability.<\/span><\/p>\n"},"subContentId":"e3303837-6098-4c60-8ca2-80cd5833496b","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"alwaysDisplayComments":false,"backgroundOpacity":0,"displayAsButton":false,"buttonSize":"big","goToSlideType":"specified","invisible":false,"solution":""}],"slideBackgroundSelector":{}},{"elements":[{"x":5.729913916786226,"y":11.313739376770538,"width":88.95265423242468,"height":42.492917847025495,"action":{"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","params":{"text":"

Keep It Professional<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Avoiding Racial Bias in Reference Letters

Brief Introduction

Heena Mistry