Are non-mandatory sensitivity trainings mandatory? This is probably a very USA-specific question:  My university is implementing a new sensitivity training framework.  This is so new that no information about it can be found in faculty handbook, school website, or anywhere I tried. This framework appears to be completely independent from colleges or the senate. I am one of the lucky few to be &quot;invited&quot; to join the training.
The invitation letter stated that such trainings are not mandatory, but in light of a recent &quot;incidents&quot; such trainings will of great value to me. My chair and dean all said these are optional yet they strongly implied that I should just go with it (&quot;There's no reason to cause trouble&quot;).
I don't yet have tenure. So for me, in the current climate, is not mandatory a code phrase for mandatory?
I just read a couple of your posts about how you interact with your students. Sensitivity training isn't optional. The people who will be voting on your tenure think you have a problem. Frankly, I agree with them.