Diversity Display

Invisible Disabilities

“Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a common phrase uttered by many to express the idea that one shouldn’t make decisions about a person based on their visible appearance. Invisible disabilities are disabilities that are not readily apparent such as anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, and many others. Invisible disabilities affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. 

“But you don’t look sick” or “But you look good” are comments often made to those with invisible disabilities. Other reactions include sneers or dirty looks given to a person with an invisible disability who is exiting their vehicle after parking in a designated disability parking space. Consider the challenges those with invisible disabilities might face before making comments or passing judgment.

Readings:

• Invisible Disabilities Association
• The Last Taboo: Breaking Law Students with Mental Illnesses and Disabilities Out of the Stigma StraightJacket 79 UMKC L. Rev. 123 (2010)
• Enforcing the Americans with Disability Act for the “Invisibly Disabled”: Not a Handout, Just a Hand. 25 Geo. J. on Poverty L. & Pol'y 35 (2017)
• Invisible Disability 116 Ethics 153 (2005)

Videos:

• What Not To Say: Invisible Disabilities: Part 1 of 3
• What Not To Say: Invisible Disabilities: Part 2 of 3
• What Not To Say: invisible Disabilities: Part 3 of 3
• What Sick Looks Like: Invisible Illness
• Invisible Disabilities and Invisible Illness

Words Matter

Our words can have a strong effect on others, regardless of our intentions. Microaggressions are
comments or nonverbal actions – subtle and often unintentional – that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages toward another person, usually a member of a marginalized group.

Consider how you speak to people and how your words may be received. We can learn a lot from each other if we think about what we say and ask questions.

Readings:

• About Microaggressions, Ronald Wheeler, Law Library Journal vol. 108:2 (2016-15)
• GLAAD Glossary of Terms – Transgender
• Why Pronouns Are Important, UC Davis
• People First Language, The Arc

• Words At Work, Diversity Council of Australia
• Anti-Racist Short Film “Jafar”, by Nancy Spetsioti
• How microaggressions are like mosquito bites, Same Difference
• "Billions" Actor Challenges Emmys' Gender Categories, United News International
• The Dos and Don'ts of Disability, Fixers UK
• If Microaggressions Happened to White People, MTV News

Past Diversity Displays

LGBTQ Pride Month

June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) Pride Month! This month commemorates the anniversary of the Stonewall riots of June 28, 1969, a tipping point in the U.S. movement for LGBT rights.

Cities around the world now celebrate with Pride parades, often held during the summer months. San Diego will celebrate Pride July 13th-15th, including the San Diego Pride Parade on July 14th in Hillcrest.

Join the LRC this summer in recognizing the importance of LGBT rights in legal history.

• Visit LGBTQ+ at USD for USD and Community Resources
• Get involved with USD Pride Law
• Watch PBS – American Experience, Stonewall Uprising (total run time: 1hr 21m)