FLASHPOINTS Vignette - Spring Break

A professor (Black, male) tells students that he knows that they are all looking forward to Spring Break for some “rest and relaxation.” Each of eight students is shown with their internal dialogue explaining what Spring Break means for them. The students describe an assortment of life challenges and identities that will make Spring Break something other than restful or relaxing. Discussion: What assumptions do faculty make about the lives and backgrounds of their students? How can assumptions about class and privilege be damaging to students’ educational experiences? How can faculty organize classroom policies and practices that are more thoughtful regarding students’ social identities and life situations?