Simple Diversity Exercises

Simple exercises can help students understand the breadth of diversity. Many times, when we say “diversity,” students think we are only talking about race or gender. The cohort discussed the following simple exercises to begin the discussion of diversity and help students see the broader definition of diversity.

• Have students cross their arms in the way that feels natural, then recross their arms the other way.
• Have students interlace their fingers in the way that feels natural, then switch which thumb is on top.
• In both cases, would anyone argue that there is a “right” way to do this?