How do you reply to a classmate about Achieving sustainable inclusive excellence requires building an environment as free as possible from racial microaggressions such as ascription of intelligence, microinvalidation, and alien in own land. These subtle and often unintentional behaviors reinforce systems of exclusion and diminish trust, productivity, and belonging in the workplace. 1. Ascription of Intelligence This microaggression occurs when intelligence is automatically attributedor deniedbased on race or ethnicity. For example, an Asian American employee might frequently hear, "You must be good at math," implying their value lies in a stereotype, not individual skill. Conversely, a Black professional might be told, "You speak so well," suggesting surprise at their communication ability. These comments reinforce biased assumptions about competence and diminish professional credibility. Over time, they reduce psychological safety and motivation, ultimately impacting retention and advancement (Sue et al., 2007). 2. Alien in Own Land This occurs when individuals, especially Latin, Asian, or Middle Eastern Americans, are treated as perpetual foreigners. A common example is asking, "Where are you really from?" after someone states they were born in the U.S. This behavior communicates that the person does not belong, regardless of citizenship or identity. It undermines inclusion efforts and can make affected employees feel emotionally isolated, increasing their stres