School of Social Work Associate Professor Lisa Albrecht wrote an opinion article published in the Minneapolis StarTribune April 14. Albrecht, who is co chairing the 12th Annual White Privilege Conference being held in the Twin Cities on April 13-16, wrote in response to StarTribune editorial columnist Katherine Kersten. Kersten had criticized the decision of Minnesota school districts to pay for teachers to attend the conference. Albrecht’s counterpoint explains why she believes it is vital for U.S. society to understand white privilege and racism.