Wow, Nate. That’s tough situation, and every white educator is going to face it. I’m sorry it was your turn this week, and I’m glad you handled it so well.

Since you asked, here’s how I *think* I would have responded:

Sentence 1: just like you did–just got 30 of you, and I do remember the ones who participated in our discussions.

Sentence 2: I wouldn’t want to establish my diversity credentials by discussing experience abroad or teaching minority students. Rather, if I wasn’t flushed with anger (in which case I hope I would have the prudence not to say another word), I would check my tone of voice to make sure it sounded professional instead of haughty or sardonic, and then say, “But when you say that, it does sound like an accusation of racism, which is a very serious charge. So you don’t want to say that unless that’s what you mean, and you can back it up.”