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What I Learned About Inclusion and Why It Matters
WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT INCLUSION AND WHY IT MATTERS By: Hon. Robin Gunn
Knox County Juvenile Court Magistrate
USE YOUR WORDS
You get it. Of course you think it’s important to diversify the bar. You understand that by making workspaces and courtrooms more inclusive, we can better serve our community and our clients. The idea that something you said or did may have made a fellow member of the bar feel unwelcome makes you literally feel sick. But what can you do????? You don’t work in HR, you’re just trying to clear your desk like everyone else.
This is what you can do. Use. Your. Words.
We all know the power of semantics and the divisive effects and harsh feelings that accompany some words and terminology. It’s not hard to think of words that divide people. So how can we use this same power to bring people together? Here at Knox County Juvenile Court, I use my words to create a safer space for people who are experiencing what is often one of the greatest hardships of their lifetime. Because the situations we confront are so troublesome, there are endless opportunities to use words to make marginalized people feel more human.
Instead of “drug addict(ed)” say “in recovery” or “in active addiction”
Instead of “illegal” say “undocumented”
Instead of “homeless” say “searching for housing” or “in need of housing”
Instead of “rehab” say “treatment”
Similarly, you can use your words to create a more welcoming workspace for your colleagues. There are some words and phrases that even when used with the best intentions are likely to offend when being heard and/or overheard. When in the conference room, at the courthouse, making small talk around the office, and even when you are in these spaces and talking on the phone, NOT using words in these ways, is a great start.
Asking a woman in professional dress if they are a court reporter or DCS worker
Calling black women “girl” or “girlfriend”
Calling black people “articulate” (yes, really…)
Calling anything or anyone “ghetto”
Calling anyone a “thug”
Telling anyone they “don’t look like a (insert professional title here)”
Asking anyone where they are “really from”
As you remove these terms from your vocabulary, it will become more noticeable when others around you use them. I challenge you to gently suggest to your colleagues to use their words differently.
Lastly, I’d like to encourage everyone to use my two favorite inclusive words amongst their colleagues, especially those who are new to the bar, to create a more welcome workspace for everyone. “Me too!” When I reflect upon the times that I have made unexpected connections with colleagues, they often began with the realization that we had something in common other than the practice of law. Whether it was an alma mater, travel destination, favorite restaurant, parenting experience, or even a movie or television series that we’d recently both watched, one of us realized that we had something in common and made it known to the other. Acknowledging that you have something in common with someone who feels marginalized or isolated, is incredibly empowering. Use your words to remind your colleagues the many ways that we are the same.
Third Annual Celebration of the PRO BONO DEBT RELIEF CLINIC
The celebration will be held on Monday, September 26, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Fourth Floor, Howard H. Baker Jr. United States Courthouse
Attorney volunteers from 2020, 2021, and 2022 will be presented with appreciation certificates.
Volunteers will speak briefly about their experiences at the clinic and share a story or two about the folks that they had the opportunity to help, and a reception will follow. Prior to the celebration, Judge Bauknight will present a one-hour CLE program, “How to Get Paid – Employment and Payment of Professionals in Bankruptcy,” from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Small Assembly Room, City County Building. So that we may plan appropriately, RSVP by September 20 to the Knoxville Bar Association. Visit www.knoxbar.org for more details and click September 26 on the KBA’s Event Calendar to RSVP online. Attorney volunteers from 2020, 2021, and 2022 are invited to attend the CLE program at no charge. If you are eligible for the free rate, please contact Tammy Sharpe (tsharpe@knoxbar.org) to register for the CLE.
