Presenters: Katy Launius and Anand Upadhyaya
In recent months, the U.S. has seen a sustained period of social unrest, emerging from renewed attention to systemic racial injustices. This awareness has highlighted how inequities stemming from differences in race, ethnicity, gender, religion and other forms of social identity permeate institutions – including public and post-secondary education. In this interactive session, participants will refine and deepen their understanding of systemic inequity and diversity issues in higher education, broadly, and at Dallas College, specifically.
This session assumes a baseline understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion. Presenters will define concepts such as the opportunity gap and introduce tools for analysis including critical race theory. The conversation will then shift to application, helping attendees understand how students and employees are affected by systemic inequities. In an interactive format, attendees will learn how to apply a critical analysis to programs and activities at Dallas College. Lastly, we will offer a philosophical framework for staff, faculty and administrators to confront these barriers and gaps. The presenters will provide real world scenarios for participants to explore and identify possible resolutions. The session will also role model cultural humility as a necessary component for the open discussion that is essential when approaching topics like diversity and equity.
As a result of attending this session, attendees will:
- Understand systemic inequities common in higher education
- Identify systemic inequities that may be present at Dallas College
- Apply introduced concepts (e.g., opportunity gap, inclusive excellence) to reduce inequities within the scope of influence (e.g., hiring, curriculum and program development)