A report produced earlier this year and released widely last month sheds light on the experiences of young diverse professionals in the Springfield community regarding the climate of inclusion in the city. Specifically, the study, led by MSU Assistant Professor of Sociology Dr. Lyle Q. Foster, sought to explore “how inclusive Springfield is – and to what extend residents from underrepresented backgrounds feel safe, respected, and comfortable in being themselves and expressing all aspects of their identities.”
The results from this study show the need for significant progress toward inclusion for the city of Springfield. 68% of the individuals surveyed (103 in total) said that Springfield is either “not inclusive” or “not very inclusive,” while just 2% said that Springfield is “very inclusive.” Of the specific identities participants were asked about, the groups that were perceived as being least welcomed in the community include diverse religions (15% considered Springfield a welcoming community for this group) and racially diverse people (16% considered Springfield a welcoming community for this group).
The authors of this study provided seven recommendations to make Springfield a stronger, more inclusive community:
- Minority representation in local leadership roles can empower individuals who have traditionally been excluded from decision-making spaces.
- Anti-racism and implicit bias training in schools, workplaces, and churches can help build capacity to understand societal inequities and help individuals learn to oppose identity-based injustices.
- City-wide efforts to incentivize, support, and empower minority-owned and minority-supported businesses would help diversify Springfield’s community offerings.
- Voices of underrepresented groups in the city should be amplified to showcase the successes and promote minority inclusion in social, legal, and political conversations.
- Policies and ordinances, such as protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community, law enforcement evaluation and training, and changes to punishment systems in schools should be evaluated and protections expanded to improve the city’s climate.
- Embracing of diverse cultural expression – radio stations, cultural events, murals, and other forms of art – will help to create a sense of belonging and inclusion for individuals of diverse backgrounds.
- Change starts with open and honest education to acknowledge the history of systemic inequalities in this country and in the Springfield area specifically, through fact-based and unbiased curriculum both in local schools and for all Springfield citizens.
Read more about the 2020 Community’s Young Professional Survey Report and access the full report on the MSU Diversity, Equity and Inclusion webpage.