UVM’s Examining White Privilege Retreat was the second such university gathering to explore issues of identity, diversity and culture. This non-credit bearing retreat was designed to engage white students who wanted to become more effective allies in confronting racism and supporting students of color at UVM. These students were seeking an educational opportunity for themselves to learn about and understand the issue of white privilege, its historical roots, and its current dynamics and impact.  

Funding for the retreat was shared by several departments. The students who attended did so on a voluntary basis, and the facilitators who participated were also volunteers.

The concept of white privilege is not new, nor is it exclusive to UVM. It has been featured nationally and internationally for well over a decade in numerous books, academic courses, conferences, higher education initiatives and documentaries.

As a public research university, the University of Vermont plays an important leadership role nationally in addressing issues of social justice, fairness and equality. This retreat was an example of the varied programs available at many universities to assist students in their quest for better understanding of culture and history in order to become responsible global leaders. It is a piece of a broad array of different offerings for students to facilitate meaningful and civil dialogue and expanded awareness and insights across a range of diverse backgrounds with respect to difficult and important societal challenges.