Lightning Talk: Advancing Critical Pedagogies: Trauma, Agency, Safety, and Inclusion in Criminology Classrooms

Session Submission Type: Lightning Talk Session

Abstract/Description

Students today navigate trauma, discrimination, and digital vulnerabilities that traditional criminology education often overlooks. This Lightning Talk panel brings together scholars developing pedagogical innovations aimed at creating safer and more inclusive learning environments. Topics include trauma-informed teaching strategies, fostering agency for survivors, digital safety for feminist instructors and students, inclusive classroom design, and integrating critical discussions of bias in criminal justice curricula. Each presentation highlights the importance of meeting students where they are—academically, emotionally, and socially—while advancing justice and equity within criminology education. Collectively, these talks call for a more compassionate, resilient, and transformative classroom culture.

Sub Unit

• Area XIII. Lightning Talks

Individual Presentations

• Trauma-Informed Pedagogy - Rachel E. Davis, Middle Tennessee State University

• Fostering Inclusivity and Hope in the Classroom - Alesha Durfee, St. Louis University

• Navigating The Risks: Digital Safety and Security for Feminist Instructors and Students in Contemporary Times - KáLyn (Kay) Coghill, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Fostering Agency for Survivors in Victimization Courses - Kathleen Ratajczak, Sam Houston State University

• Teaching Sociology in the South: Finding Common Ground in Divided Times - Elaina Behounek, Middle Georgia State University

• Teaching the Impacts of Bias: From Stratification to Systemic Disparities in Criminal Justice - Samantha Kopf Apple, Bowling Green State University

Chairs

• Samantha Kopf Apple, Bowling Green State University

• Elaina Behounek, Middle Georgia State University

Discussant

• Shuai Wei, University of Liverpool

Organized by a Division or external group?

Division of Feminist Criminology (Diversity and Inclusion Committee) and Division of Victimology (education Committee)