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Rethinking Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Anthropocene: Centering the Experiences of Nonhuman Animals

Sat, April 26, 5:10 to 6:40pm MDT (5:10 to 6:40pm MDT), The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Meeting Room Level, Room 107

Abstract

We live in a precarious time characterized by anthropocentrism and human exceptionalism.
For instance, human activity, such as the endless exploitation and extraction of natural resources
by humans, has significantly altered our planet’s climate and ecosystem. Humans are willing to
better their own lives at the cost of other beings. There is a lack of understanding and
acknowledgment of our co-existence and co-independence with other nonhuman species with
whom we share the earth; instead, they tend to be viewed as serving human needs. In education,
this is reflected in how the curriculum is designed, structured, and taught: While nonhuman
animals constitute an indispensable and ubiquitous presence in our everyday life, they are rarely
discussed as subjective beings who feel joy, and pain, and have consciousness; instead, they are
utilized as objects or aid for human learning. Therefore, they are seen as undeserving of respect
and exist only for human use.
This paper argues that like human beings, nonhuman animals are sentient beings who think
and feel as humans do; therefore, they should be incorporated into our conception and discussion
of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work. In other words, we can never claim to have built a
diverse, equitable, and inclusive world or society without ensuring that nonhuman animals are
treated with love, respect, and dignity. Drawing from the interdisciplinary fields of Buddhism,
educational philosophy, and recent works on emotion and affect, this paper discusses how
concepts such as animism, interbeing, empathy, and relatedness can shed light on a renewed
notion of human-animal, human-nature relationship, and DEI.
ToIn order to do so, one must begin by “seeing” and “acknowledging” the existence of
nonhuman animals and their ubiquitous presence in our everyday lives. Therefore, in this paper, I
will reflect on my own experience of beginning to “see” nonhuman animals around me. I will
share stories of my encounters with nonhuman animals throughout my life. I will then
demonstrate how contemplative practices can help deepen our thinking of humankind’s
relationship with nonhuman animals and view them as intrinsically valuable beings. Lastly, I will
offer examples of how nonhuman animals can be incorporated into our DEI efforts and some
implications. Data will come from my personal stories/narratives and reflections from my own
contemplative practices. Ultimately, this paper hopes to contribute to expanding the concepts of
DEI by exposing the anthropocentric nature of current DEI work and by calling for the urgent
need to include nonhuman animals.

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