5.03 Teaching For a Livin' : Dajanae Palmer & Mike Hankins
Jun 26, 2024
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PhDs Dajanae Palmer & Mike Hankins discuss teaching in contrasting political environments, challenges of supporting students, impact of anti-DEI legislation on academia, threats to women's rights, navigating diversity efforts in higher ed, and using music for work-life balance.
Legislation impacting DEI can alter teaching methods and research focus in academia.
Proactive measures are crucial for safeguarding academic spaces against threats to equity and inclusion efforts.
Deep dives
Reflections on DEI Principles in Institutions of Higher Education
DEI principles deeply embedded in universities would necessitate restructuring across the institution. It goes beyond singular offices or positions and touches every facet of the university. Legislation targeting DEI can impact scholars' teaching approaches and research focus as they navigate the evolving landscape of higher education.
Navigating State Legislation Impacting Gender and DEI Initiatives
Professors in states with restrictive legislation discuss adapting their work in response to anti-DEI laws. Concerns arise regarding the treatment of feminism within legislative frameworks compared to other DEI areas. The dialogue highlights the need for proactive measures to safeguard academic spaces against threats to equity and inclusion efforts.
Institutional Responses to Legislative Challenges in Higher Education
Private Jesuit institutions are positioned uniquely amid state legislation affecting DEI initiatives. Fine-tuning policies and initiatives to align with broader themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion helps anticipate and mitigate potential legislative impacts. Collaborative efforts between institutions and communities showcase evolving strategies to navigate a changing educational landscape.
Personal Well-being Amid Institutional Pressures
Scholars share self-care practices and music playlists as coping mechanisms amidst institutional challenges. Commutes serve as moments for mental preparation and decompression, emphasizing the need for work-life balance in academia. Engaging with diverse music genres becomes a source of solace and rejuvenation for educators navigating professional and personal demands.
What's it like to live in a blue State but teach in a red one? Do you feel the effects of legislation in the classroom or on campus? What are the invisible responsibilities we may take on when supporting our students? And how do we continue to live our lives through it all?
We got more questions then answers, but Mike Hankins and Dajanae Palmer joined us in studio to talk about all of that and more.