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Mar 31 2012


WPC and Intent v Impact

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A couple of months ago, I decided to apply for funding to attend the White Privilege Conference, a conference that deals with the issues of privilege and oppression to change the oppressive structures in place in US society today.  I wasn’t sure what to expect when I submitted the application, but the conference is eye-opening and inspiring, and I am so glad that I chose to apply and attend.  I am attending with five other amazing students (both graduate and undergraduate) from OSU

At the WPC Conference, I attended a workshop about the differences between “impact” and “intent” and what it means to transform institutions through transformative leadership.  The presenters in this workshop emphasized the important distinction between the intent of an action and the actual impact of that action.   While the state legislature may implement a policy that is well-intentioned, it is critical we examine the impact of that policy on communities of people.  Though it is easier for us to focus on the intent of people and policies, that focus distracts us from examining the impacts they create.  We do not have to dismiss intention as unimportant, but we must not give it precedence over impact.

The presenters then offered the definition of leadership as “taking responsibility for what matters to you.” With that definition, we discussed what matters most to us.  After thinking for a bit, I said I believe every person has a right to a quality education in a environment that affirms and inspires them.  It is a failing of the educational system every time a person leaves an educational institution because they feel they do not belong.

This workshop reminded me of why I choose to work in certain areas of the university and it inspired me to continue in my life-long pursuit of working toward educational equity.

-Amelia Harris

Third Year Student

History and Philosophy

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One Response to “WPC and Intent v Impact”

  1.   Patricia Perryon 23 Apr 2012 at 5:06 am     Reply1

    I took a sociology class and the main subject we studied was white privilege. I have to say that it was probably one of the most eye opening classes I’ve ever taken. I hope that you are able to feel the same way about the conference you are attending.

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