Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Criminology and Criminal Justice Education: A Call to Humanize and Decolonize

• In Event: Advancing Justice Through Transformative DEI Educational and Pedagogical Practices in Criminal Justice

Abstract

In this paper, we present pedagogical strategies aimed at humanizing and decolonizing the criminal justice curriculum in community colleges. As community college educators, our unique position allows us to significantly influence the future of criminal justice practice, especially considering the immediate transition of our students from classrooms to professional realms where they aim to actuate positive community changes. Echoing the updated guidelines from the co-editors of Criminology, which emphasize the importance of adopting the APA's General Principles for Reducing Bias in crime and justice dialogues, we seek to challenge the longstanding issues in criminology. These issues are rooted in the historical legacy of the American criminal legal system, marked by dehumanization, patriarchy, racism, and colonialism. Drawing upon insights from professional roundtables and innovative pedagogical methods, we propose ways to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into criminal justice education, with a specific focus on community colleges. The goal is to evolve criminal justice education to better reflect societal needs, champion social justice and empathy, and embrace DEI values.

Authors

• Satenik Margaryan, Borough of Manhattan Community College, CUNY

• Shenique Thomas-Davis, City University of New York