Democracy’s College Podcast

Democracy’s College: Research and Leadership in Educational Equity, Justice, and Excellence is a monthly podcast that focuses on P-20 education pathways with a focus on research and leadership that promotes educational equity, justice, and excellence for all students. This podcast is a product of the Office of Community College Research and Leadership or OCCRL at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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Amechi-Williams-Stone-Stewart

Key Elements to Successfully Connecting Foster Care Youth to Educational Resources for Postsecondary Success

Episode 49, May 1, 2021

In this episode, Nathaniel Stewart talks with Mauriell Amechi, Regina Gavin Williams, and Blayne Stone Jr. about how the transitions and pathways to postsecondary education are similar and different for Black former foster care students. The scholars also discuss key elements to successfully connect foster care youth to educational resources that help advance the postsecondary education opportunities for this student population.

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José Del Real Viramontes Santiago Bernal Alfred Herrera Dimpal Jain

Working Together to Create a Transfer-Receptive Culture

Episode 48, March 2, 2021

In this episode, José Del Real Viramontes talks with Santiago Bernal, Alfred Herrera, and Dimpal Jain about how community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities can work together to develop and enhance a transfer-receptive culture.

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Nolan L. Cabrera

Nolan L. Cabrera

Critically Examining Whiteness and Explaining and Addressing Racism

Episode 47, January 27, 2021

In this episode, Dr. Nolan L. Cabrera joins OCCRL Director Eboni Zamani-Gallaher to examine whiteness and discuss various areas of racism. Dr. Cabrera is an associate professor of educational policy studies and practice at the University of Arizona.

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Rita Ali and Jennifer Foster

Rita Ali and Jennifer Foster

Working Toward Equity for Underrepresented Individuals in Career and Technical Education and the CTE Workforce

Episode 46, December 4, 2020

In this episode, OCCRL Director Eboni Zamani-Gallaher talks with Rita Ali and Jennifer Foster about implementing paths toward equity for underrepresented individuals in career and technical education and in the CTE workforce. Ali is the vice president of workforce and diversity at Illinois Central College, and Foster is the deputy executive director for the Illinois Community College Board.

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Heather Blicher

Heather Blicher

The Possibilities and Challenges of Open Educational Resources

Episode 45, November 19, 2020

In this episode, Nina Owolabi, a research assistant at OCCRL, talks with Heather Blicher about the many possibilities as well as the challenges of open educational resources for instructors and institutions. Blicher is a coordinator of librarian services for two campuses at Reynolds Community College in Richmond, Virginia.

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Blazing Equitable Pathways for Community College Students Through OER

Dr. Lorenzo Baber

Dr. Lorenzo Baber

Racial justice, Educational Philanthropy, and the Needs and Roles of Community Colleges in the Postsecondary Landscape

Episode 44, September 29, 2020

In this episode, Heather McCambly and Lorenzo Baber talk about the intersections of racial justice, educational philanthropy, and the needs and roles of community colleges in the COVID-19 postsecondary landscape.

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Dr. Ann Edwards

Dr. Ann Edwards

College Readiness in Math and Curricular Alignment

Episode 43, August 26, 2020

In this episode, OCCRL Director Eboni Zamani-Gallaher talks with Dr. Ann Edwards about college readiness in math and about curricular alignment. They also discuss issues related to placement and developmental mathematics courses, guided pathways, math pathways, and student participation in STEM.

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Dr. Heather Shotton

Dr. Heather Shotton

The Multiple and Nuanced Ways Universities Perpetuate Settler Colonial Aims of Erasure for Indigenous Students

Episode 42, July 6, 2020

In this episode, OCCRL Director Eboni Zamani-Gallaher talks with Dr. Heather Shotton about the multiple and nuanced ways that universities perpetuate settler colonial aims of eraser for Indigenous students.

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Dean's Diversity Lecture: "Reimagining Higher Education for Indigenous Students"  

Nidia Ruedas-Gracia

Nidia Ruedas-Gracia

Episode 41: Conceptualizing ‘Sense of Belonging’ Among Students From Historically Minoritized Racial Groups Within Higher Education

Episode 41, May 1, 2020

In this episode, Colvin Georges Jr., a research associate at OCCRL, talks with Dr. Nidia Ruedas-Gracia about what it means to have a sense of belonging and discusses her research in this area. They also discuss how a sense of belonging affects college students from historically minoritized racial groups.

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Status and Trends in the Education of Racial and Ethnic Groups 2018

Patricia Palmer

Patricia Palmer

How Youth-in-Care in Illinois Can Access Educational Resources to Pursue a Postsecondary Education

Episode 40, April 1, 2020

In this episode, OCCRL research assistant Chequita Brown continues the conversation on foster care youth by talking with Patricia Palmer about accessing available resources in Illinois for youth-in-care who want to pursue a secondary education.

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Maddy Day

Maddy Day

The Impact of Campus-Based Support Programming on Foster Care Collegians’ Postsecondary Access and Retention

Episode 39, March 2, 2020

In this episode, OCCRL research assistant Chequita Brown talks with Maddy Day about the Fostering Success Michigan initiative and the impact of campus-based support programming on foster care collegians' postsecondary access and retention.

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Dr. Paul Gorski

Dr. Paul Gorski

Advancing Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Education

Episode 38, February 3, 2020

In this episode, Dr. Eboni Zamani-Gallaher, the director of OCCRL, talks with Dr. Paul Gorski about advancing racial equity work, as well as about diversity and inclusion efforts in education.

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Equity Literacy Institute

EdChange

Multicultural Pavilion

John Gardner and Betsy Barefoot

John Gardner and Betsy Barefoot

Advancing Equitable Outcomes in Higher Education with a Focus on Transfer

Episode 37, January 6, 2020

In this episode, Dr. Marci Rockey, a project coordinator at OCCRL, talks with Betsy Barefoot and John Gardner about their efforts to support higher education institutions in advancing equitable outcomes for students, especially as it relates to transfer.

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Seven Principles of Good Practice for Student Success Partnerships

Dr. Penny Pasque

Dr. Penny Pasque

Implicit Bias and Policy Practices in Higher Education

Episode 36, December 2, 2019

In this episode, Krystal Andrews of OCCRL talks with Dr. Penny Pasque about implicit bias and policy practices in higher education. Dr. Pasque is a professor in the Department of Educational Studies at Ohio State University. 

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Video Presentation: Understanding Implicit Bias and Identifying Action Strategies Toward Change

Dr. Stephen John Quaye

Dr. Stephen John Quaye

Intergroup Dialogues About Race, Civility on College Campuses, and Student Support

Episode 35, November 5, 2019

In this episode, Jason Keist of OCCRL talks with Dr. Stephen John Quaye about what prompted his journey into higher education. Keist and Quaye also discuss issues pertaining to student support, issues related to intergroup dialogues about race, and about civility on college campuses. Dr. Quaye is an associate professor in the Department of Educational Studies at Ohio State University.

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Video Presentation: Engaging in Difficult Dialogues About Race and Racism

Dr. Stephen John Quaye Speaks on Scholar Activism and Self-Care in an Era of #BlackLivesMatter

Dean's Diversity Lecture video: Scholar Activism and Self-Care in an Era of #BlackLivesMatter

Dr. William A. Smith

Dr. William A. Smith

Racial Battle Fatigue

Episode 34, October 6, 2019

In this episode, Colvin T. Georges Jr. of OCCRL talks with Dr. William A. Smith about racial battle fatigue. Dr. Smith is a professor and the chair of the Department of Education, Culture & Society at the University of Utah.

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Video Presentation: Understanding the Corollaries of Offensive Racial Mechanisms, Gendered Racism, and Racial Battle Fatigue

Dr. Muhammad Khalifa

Dr. Muhammad Khalifa

Culturally Responsive School Leadership

Episode 33, September 3, 2019

In this episode, Kristal Raheem interviews Dr. Muhammad Khalifa about culturally responsive school leadership. Dr. Khalifa is a professor and Beck Chair of Ideas in Education at the University of Minnesota.

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Dean's Diversity Lecture at Illinois: Culturally Responsive School Leadership

Dr. Amanda Smith

Dr. Amanda Smith

Integrating Equity Into Program Review

Episode 32, August 1, 2019

In this episode, Dr. Amanda Smith talks with Dr. Heather Fox about integrating equity into program review. Smith is the dean of transitional opportunities and career education at Rock Valley College.

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Dr. Hei-hang Hayes Tang

Dr. Hei-hang Hayes Tang

Democratizing Higher Education Through Community Colleges in Hong Kong

Episode 31, July 10, 2019

In this episode, HyeJin Tina Yeo, a research assistant at OCCRL, talks with Dr. Hei-hang Hayes Tang about democratizing higher education through community colleges in Hong Kong.

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Dr. Estela Mara Bensimon

Dr. Estela Mara Bensimon

Reclaiming the Racial Justice Meaning of Equity

Episode 30, May 21, 2019

In this episode, Dr. Eboni Zamani-Gallaher, at OCCRL, talks with Dr. Estela Mara Bensimon about reclaiming the racial justice meaning of equity. Dr. Bensimon is a professor of higher education at the Rossier School of Education and the director of the Center for Urban Education at the University of Southern California.

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Dr. OiYan Poon

Dr. OiYan Poon

Racial Justice or Racial 'Just Us' Among Asian-Americans

Episode 29, April 22, 2019

In this episode, HyeJin Tina Yeo, at OCCRL, talks with Dr. OiYan Poon about racial justice among Asian-Americans and the current attacks on affirmative action. Dr. Poon is an assistant professor of higher education leadership at Colorado State University.

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Dr. Claire E. Crawford

Dr. Claire E. Crawford

Transnational Whitelash in Educational Policy and Practice.

Episode 28, March 13, 2019

In this episode, Marci Rockey at OCCRL talks with Dr. Claire Crawford, BRIDGE Research Fellow at the Center for Research in Race and Education at the School of Education at the University of Birmingham, about transnational whitelash in educational policy and practice.

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Dr. Asif Wilson

Dr. Asif Wilson

Asset Based Approaches to Developmental Education

Episode 27, February 12, 2019

In this episode, Chauntee Thrill at OCCRL talks with Dr. Asif Wilson, associate dean of instruction at Harold Washington College, about asset-based approaches to developmental education.

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Dr. J. Luke Wood

Dr. J. Luke Wood

Engaging and Supporting Male Students of Color

Episode 26, January 15, 2019

In this episode, Jason Keist at OCCRL talks with Dr. J. Luke Wood, associate vice president for faculty diversity and inclusion and Distinguished Professor of Education at San Diego State University, about engaging and supporting male students of color.

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Dr. David Stovall

Dr. David Stovall

Race, Decolonizing Practices, and Community Engaged Education

Episode 25, December 17, 2018

In this episode, Dr. Eboni Zamani-Gallaher talks with Dr. David Stovall, professor of African-American Studies and Education Policy Studies at University of Illinois at Chicago, about race, Decolonizing practices, and community engaged education.

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Elvira Abrica

Dr. Elvira Abrica

The Lived Experiences of Immigrant, Migrant, and Multicultural Populations in Postsecondary Education

Episode 24, November 19, 2018

In this episode, Dr. Heather L. Fox at OCCRL talks with Dr. Elvira Abrica, assistant professor of higher education and organizational change at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, about the lived experiences of immigrant, migrant, and multicultural populations in postsecondary education. 

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James Felton II and Michelé Smith

James Felton II and Michelé Smith

Chief Diversity Officers in Higher Education

Episodes 22 & 23, October 16, 2018

This two-part series features Chaddrick Gallaway from OCCRL talking with James Felton III, chief diversity officer at SUNY Cortland, and Michelé Smith, associate provost and special assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion at William Rainey Harper College, about chief diversity officers in higher education.

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Dr. Tatiana Melguizo

Dr. Tatiana Melguizo

Equity-Minded Approaches to Mathematics Education

Episode 21, August 21, 2018

In this episode, Dr. Vilma Mesa, Associate Professor of Education at the University of Michigan, talks with Dr. Tatiana Melguizo, Associate Professor at the University of Southern California, about equity-minded approaches to mathematics education.

 

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Additional Resources:

Amelia-Parnell

Dr. Amelia Parnell

Student Affairs Strategies for Supporting Diverse Community College Collegians

Episode 20, July 30, 2018

In this episode, Francena Turner from OCCRL talks with Dr. Amelia Parnell, the Vice President for Research and Policy at NASPA, about strategies that student affairs professionals can engage in to support diverse community college collegians.

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NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

Dr. Z Nicolazzo

Dr. Z Nicolazzo

Supporting Trans Collegians

Episode 19, June 13, 2018

In this episode, Dr. Eboni Zamani-Gallaher from OCCRL talks with Dr. Z Nicolazzo, an Assistant Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs in the Department of Counseling Adult and Higher Education at Northern Illinois University. Dr. Nicolazzo's research has centered on college student development, post-secondary access, diversity, equity, and culture. In particular, Dr. Nicolazzo is an expert on trans collegians, with particular emphasis on trans student resilience and kinship building.

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Additional Resources:

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Bronx Community College’s Democracy Project

Episode 18, May 7, 2018

In this episode, Fredrick Douglass Dixon from OCCRL talks with Dr. Mara Lazda, Professor of History, and Dr. Lisa Amowitz, Professor of Art and Music, about Bronx Community College's Democracy Project.

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Additional Resources:

Democracy College Photos by Yeny Ferreras

pencilslazdaImmigrantHeritage

Dra. Aurora Chang

Dra. Aurora Chang

Undocumented Students’ Identity and Hyperdocumentation

Episode 17, April 19, 2018

In this episode, Angel Velez from OCCRL talks with Dra. Aurora Chang, assistant professor at Loyola University Chicago, about undocumented students’ identity and hyperdocumentation.

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Additional Resources:

Dr. Jennifer Banks

Dr. Jennifer Banks

Responsive Mathematics Pedagogy

Episode 16, March 14, 2018

In this episode, Chauntee Thrill, from OCCRL, talks with Dr. Jennifer Banks, Coordinator of Mathematics and Science at Washtenaw Intermediate School District, about responsive mathematics pedagogy.

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Additional Resources:

wheretostart

Where to Start: How Community Colleges Can Scale Up Their Registered Apprenticeship Programs

Episode 15, February 15, 2018

The purpose of the episode is to bring together community colleges and other partners who are working to scale up their registered apprenticeships. This informative panel includes Matthew Feuerborn, the Dean of Career Technologies Division at Kishwaukee College, Dr. Rebecca Lake, the Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at William Rainey Harper College, Dr. Henry Bohleke, the Dean of The School of Business and Technology at Triton College, and Joshua Seeberg, the Midwest Manager of the German American Chamber of Commerce’s Skills Initiative. The panel was hosted by Dr. Anjale Welton and Devean Owens.

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Additional Resources:

Dr. George Reese

Dr. George Reese

Equity in Mathematics Education

Episode 14, January 17, 2018

In this episode, Dr. Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher from OCCRL talks with Dr. George Reese, the director of Office for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education at the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, about equity in mathematics education. 

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Additional Resources:

José Ángel N.

José Ángel N.

The Experiences of Undocumented Immigrants Who Navigate Into and Through Higher Education

Episode 13, December 13, 2017

In this episode HyeJin Yeo from OCCRL talks with José Ángel N. the author of Illegal: Reflections of an Undocumented Immigrant about the experiences of undocumented immigrants who navigate into and through higher education.

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Additional Resource:

Dr. Gina A. Garcia

Dr. Gina A. Garcia

Retention, Success, and Identity Development of Latina/Latino College Students and the Role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions

Episode 12, November 21, 2017

In this episode, Dr. Eboni Zamani-Gallaher from OCCRL talks with Dr. Gina A. Garcia, an assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh.

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Additional Resources

Amanda Bergson-Shilcock

Amanda Bergson-Shilcock

Policy Trends and Resources that Support Adult Learners

Episode 11, October 17, 2017

In this episode, Dr. Anjalé Welton from OCCRL talks with Amanda Bergson-Shilcock, the Director of Upskilling Policy at the National Skills Coalition, about policy trends and resources that support adult learners.

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National Skills Coalition resources:

Other organizations:

Dr. Dimitra Jackson Smith

Dr. Dimitra Jackson Smith

Diversity in STEM

Episode 10, September 10, 2017

In this episode, Edmund Graham III, from OCCRL, talks to Dr. Dimitra Jackson Smith, an assistant professor for Higher Education at Texas Tech University, about diversity in STEM.

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Additional Resources

Leslie Daugherty

Leslie Daugherty

The Potential of Reverse Transfer Initiatives to Address Inequity in Higher Education

Episode 9, August 15, 2017

In this episode, Marci Rockey, from OCCRL talks to Leslie Daugherty, Transfer Coordinator at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, about the potential reverse transfer initiatives to address inequity in higher education.

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Additional Resources

Dr. Helen Burn

Dr. Helen Burn

Equity-Minded Approaches to Mathematics Education

Episode 8, July 19, 2017

In this episode, Dr. Heather Fox from OCCRL talks with Dr. Helen Burn, a mathematics professor and director of the Curriculum Research Group at Highline College, about equity-minded approaches to mathematics education.

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View Dr. Burn's curriculum vitae and visit the Transitioning Learners to Calculus in Community Colleges website to learn more about this topic.

Dr. Linda C. Tillman

Dr. Linda C. Tillman

Cultivating the Gifts and Talents of Faculty of Color

Episode 7, July 19, 2017

In this episode, Dr. Anjalé Welton from OCCRL talks with Dr. Linda C. Tillman, Professor Emerita of Educational Leadership at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, about cultivating the gifts and talents of faculty of color.

PDF Transcript

Learn more about this topic. Watch the lecture presented by Dr. Tillman as part of the Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series. Additional publications and resources on this topic can be found on Dr. Tillman's Vita.  

Dr. Stephen John Quaye

Dr. Stephen John Quaye

Scholar Activism and Self-Care

Episode 6, June 15, 2017

In this episode, Chaddrick Gallaway from OCCRL talks with Dr. Stephen John Quaye, an associate professor in the Student Affairs in Higher Education program at Miami University in Ohio, about scholar activism and self-care.

PDF Transcript

Learn more about this topic. Watch the lecture presented by Dr. Quaye as part of the Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series. Additional publications and resources on this topic can be found on Dr. Stephen John Quaye’s academic profile.

Dr. Pamela Eddy

Dr. Pamela Eddy

Advancing Equity and Diversity in Higher Education Leadership

Episode 5, June 15, 2017

In this episode, Dr. Heather Fox from OCCRL talks with Dr. Pamela Eddy, a professor in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership at the College of William and Mary, about advancing equity and diversity in higher education leadership.

PDF Transcript

Learn more about this topic. Watch the lecture presented by Dr. Eddy as part of the Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series. Additional publications and resources on this topic can be found on Dr. Pamela Eddy’s academic profile.

Dr. Lori Patton Davis

Dr. Lori Patton Davis

Engaging Black Women in Institutional Transformation in Education

Episode 4, May 23, 2017

In this episode, Dr. Eboni Zamani-Gallaher from OCCRL will talk with Dr. Lori Patton Davis, a professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs at Indiana University, about engaging Black women in institutional transformation in education.

PDF Transcript

Learn more about this topic. Watch the lecture presented by Dr. Davis as part of the Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series. Additional publications and resources on this topic can be found on Dr. Lori Patton Davis’ academic profile.

Dr. Michelle M. Espiño Lira

Dr. Michelle M. Espiño Lira

Educational Achievement and Outcomes along the Academic Life-Course of Racial and Ethnic Minorities

Episode 3, May 22, 2017

In this episode, Angel Luis Velez, a research assistant at OCCRL, talks with Dr. Michelle M. Espiño Lira, an associate professor of Higher Education at University of Maryland, College Park, on understanding community context and institutional responses associated with educational achievement and outcomes along the academic life-course of racial and ethnic minorities.

PDF Transcript

Learn more about this topic. Watch the lecture presented by Dr. Lira as part of the Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series. Additional publications and resources on this topic can be found on Dr. Michelle M. Espiño Lira’s profile.

Dr. Dian Squire

Dr. Dian Squire

Reframing Racial Equity

Episode 2, April 17, 2017

In this episode, Dr. Eboni Zamani-Gallaher interviews Dr. Dian Squire, a visiting assistant professor at Iowa State University, about reframing racial justice.

PDF Transcript

Learn more about this topic. Watch the lecture presented by Dr. Squire as part of the Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series. Additional publications and resources on this topic can be found on Dr. Dian Squire's academic profile. Additional sources for information on the topic as recommended by Dr. Squire include: 

Dr. Dafina-Lazarus Stewart

Dr. Dafina-Lazarus Stewart

Racial Equity and Justice in Educational Settings

Episode 1, April 17, 2017

In this episode Dr. Eboni Zamani-Gallaher interviews Dr. Dafina-Lazarus Stewart a professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs at Bowling Green State University about racial equity and justice in educational settings.

PDF Transcript

Learn more about this topic. Watch the lecture presented by Dr. Stewart as part of the Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series. Additional publications and resources on this topic can be found on Dr. Dafina-Lazarus Stewart's academic profile