From the Façade of Diversity to the Dream of Transformation: Critiquing and Transforming Higher Education

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Dr. Dafina-Lazarus Stewart wrote an op-ed for Inside Higher Education in 2016, where ze called on colleges to move away from “a language of appeasement” particularly in diversity policies and programs and move toward transformation. Stewart argues that current programs and policies around diversity and inclusivity are misguided and disingenuous and thus see few results for students of color. In the spirit of this article, this panel looks at different facets of higher education and critiques their focus on racial diversity and inclusivity and instead proposes ways to focus on equity and justice in ways that true transformation might be realized.

Sub Unit

• Division J - Postsecondary Education / Division J - Section 2b: College Student Success and Outcomes

Chair

• Dafina-Lazarus Stewart, Colorado State University - Fort Collins

Papers

• From Critical Mass to Inclusive Excellence: Interest Convergence in Higher Education Diversity Initiatives - Naomi Nishi, University of Colorado - Denver

• Your Diversity Plan Will Be Televised: Revolutionary Perspectives for Equity and Justice on College Campuses - Kirsten T. Edwards, University of Oklahoma; Siduri J. Haslerig, The University of Oklahoma

• Understanding Conceptions of Whiteness With Future Student Affairs Educators - Kyle Ashlee

• For Whom? Diversity Education to What End? - Aeriel A. Ashlee, Miami University - Oxford

Discussant

• OiYan A. Poon, Colorado State University