Instructor Resource
Northouse, Introduction to Leadership, 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2021
Case Notes
Chapter 9: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
Case 9.1: What’s in a Name?
Case Summary
Springfield High School, a high school in a small town in the rural Midwest, experienced a challenge in
updating the name of their athletic team from the Redskins to the Redhawks. When individuals came
forward arguing that the “Redskin” name was offensive and not culturally sensitive, there was significant
backlash in the town. Students voted to change the name to the “Redhawks,” replacing the “Redskin”
Case Analysis
This case study demonstrates both cultural sensitivity and generational differences over the decision to
change a mascot name. Table 9.2, which addresses Changing Perspectives on Diversity, can serve as a
great model for this case, showing the differences between assimilation, differentiation, and inclusion.
The generational differences in this case do not reflect inclusive best practices, as students appeared to
be unphased by the name change, whereas older community members were much more offended by
what was to them, an unnecessary change in tradition.
Instructor Resource
Northouse, Introduction to Leadership, 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2021
Sample Answers to Case Questions
1. Do you agree with the assertion the athletic team name should be changed?
Yes. Local Native American families had expressed their opinions that the name of “redskin” was
2. Describe how Ferdman’s Model of Inclusion Practices (Table 9.4) worked in this case. Did the
influence for inclusive practices travel both up and down the model?
The Ferdman Model of Inclusion Practices (Table 9.4) is a great example of inclusive systems changing
3. What barriers to embracing diversity and inclusion did the school board and community experience in
this case?
Both the school board and community attempted to embrace diversity in a legal and ethical manner. By
having a school board vote (instead of just initiating a mandate) the school board followed a policy to
4. Using the Inclusion Framework in Table 9.3, where would you place the Native American residents in
the town of Springfield? What about Native American students at Springfield High School?
The Native American residents would be classified in the assimilation quadrant, showing low value in
Instructor Resource
Northouse, Introduction to Leadership, 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2021
5. By changing the name of the athletic teams, do you believe the school board was showing inclusive
practices? If so, which ones?
Yes, the school board attempted to reduce the amount of prejudice and stereotypes associated with the
6. What role does privilege play in the resistance of community members to change the athletic teams’
name?
Privilege plays a role as a barrier to inclusion in this case. The community members supporting the
Case 9.2—Mitch Landrieu: Symbolic Progress
Case Summary
To observe the 300th anniversary of New Orleans, their Mayor, Mitch Landrieu, was given a proposal to
remove the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. After thought and realizing that this could be a
landmark opportunity to restore the city and heal a significant wound in the city’s history, Landrieu
decided not only to remove the Lee statute, but also to remove three additional statues that
memorialized the southern confederacy and its leaders. On May 19th, 2017, Landrieu delivered a speech
explaining why this was important for the City of New Orleans and its people.
Instructor Resource
Northouse, Introduction to Leadership, 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2021
or father trying to explain to their fifth-grade daughter who Robert E. Lee is and why he stands atop of
our beautiful city.” Landrieu believed that the time of the monuments was done, and that the time of
the world is changing. It was the responsibility of New Orleans to create new symbols where all people
are at the table together as equals.
Case Analysis
This case study discusses the removal of four statutes representing the American Confederacy that were
in the heart of Downtown New Orleans. In 2015, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, with the support
of city commissions and the New Orleans City Council, gave a speech to advocate for the removal of the
monuments from public locations in the city. Landrieu noted that this was a decision not without
controversy, however, it was a decision that was done with the notion of moving New Orleans, Louisiana
to the future and embracing the diverse make-up of the city.
Sample Answers to Case Questions
1. Some people argue that leadership has a moral dimension that moves people toward the common
good. Do you think Mayor Landrieu’s speech has a moral dimension? If yes, what values is Mayor
Landrieu promoting? What are the obstacles and downside to his advocacy?
Instructor Resource
Northouse, Introduction to Leadership, 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2021
Mayor Landrieu’s speech has a moral dimension in the way that he is promoting diversity and inclusion.
He is advocating for minority groups that are impacted by the existence of the statues and is justifying
2. By removing the statues and through his speech, Mayor Landrieu takes a strong stand against
dignifying symbols of the Confederacy. Do you feel his actions fostered a stronger sense of inclusion
within the City of New Orleans? Discuss how different perceptions of the statues and their inherent
messages may have affected different groups within the community.
The removal of the statues led to a stronger sense of inclusion in the fact that community members who
may have previously felt isolated either directly or indirectly would not face those biases in the heart of
3. The chapter discussed four barriers to diversity and inclusion: ethnocentrism, prejudice,
stereotypes, and privilege. In what ways were these statues symbolic of these barriers?
Ethnocentrism – Ethnocentrism is the tendency for individuals to place their own group (ethnic, racial,
or cultural) at the center of their observations of others and the world. The statues symbolize
African-Americans. This in itself is a stereotype.
Instructor Resource
Northouse, Introduction to Leadership, 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2021
4. Table 9.2 describes different metaphors for diversity during different time periods. What is the
metaphor and emphasis of Mayor Landrieu’s speech and what are the implications of this approach
for diversity and inclusion?
The smorgasbord metaphor was the one that was mostly emphasized during Mayor Landrieu’s speech.
5. Consider the various symbols in your community, school, or workplace which you see every day.
Select one or two and discuss the possible perceptions of that symbol to different members of your
community.
This is an opinion question and answers will vary from student to student.