A new training available for campus will help participants learn how to identify and respectfully respond to hurtful stereotypes. 

"OUCH! That Stereotype Hurts" is a 30-minute training available on Blackboard for students, faculty and staff to gain communication skills for promoting inclusion and respect. The course includes a review of basic concepts and terms, a video on the impact of hurtful stereotypes, ways to respectfully speak up when you hear demeaning comments and a final assessment. A participant workbook is also available to download to encourage reflection on the concepts taught in the course.

"The University of Arkansas is committed to creating a campus environment where everyone feels welcome and can find a sense of belonging, and this training is one of many steps we're taking toward that vision," said Yvette Murphy-Erby, vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion. "Stereotypes, even when unintended, can be harmful to those efforts. This short but impactful training is welcoming and inclusive to all and gives you the skills to speak out when you hear stereotypes that may be hurtful toward people of differing ethnicities, genders or political beliefs."

Faculty, staff and graduate and law students can access the training via the "Courses" module on Blackboard. Undergraduate students can enroll themselves in the course and can find instructions on the Blackboard Help website. The training is not required but highly encouraged.

Murphy-Erby first introduced the course to campus in 2019, and the College of Engineering piloted the course in the 2019-20 school year before colleges and units agreed to purchase a campus-wide license.

More information on the "OUCH!" training can be found on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion website.