The Elephant Is Oppression: Hidden Violence Within the Academy and Finding Strength in Self-Study

• In Event: Exploring Issues of Diversity and Social Justice Through Self-Study

Abstract

This paper details the self-study of our teacher education experiences of oppression and exclusion through shaming as tenure track assistant professors possessing various diverse and intersecting outsider statuses. We analyze not only the impact of these experiences on our physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental health, but also how these experiences have impacted our work. Finally, we share strategies to combat the practices of exclusion that are ever present within higher education institutions. Through our support system triad, we become vulnerable, critically aware, and mutually empathic, all necessary components to building resilience to shame.
Keywords: Student Evaluations of Teaching, Academic Bullying/Mobbing, Non-hegemonic Professors, Collaborative Self-study

Authors

• Sohyun Meacham, University of Northern Iowa

• David Isaac Hernandez-Saca, University of Northern Iowa

• Jennifer L. Martin, The University of Mount Union