Cultivating Equitable and Inclusive Conversations in Higher Education

This book is a practical guide for educators seeking to facilitate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) conversations in higher education. More than ever, students expect their learning to address the pressing challenges in our world today. Against the backdrop of growing social justice movements, cancel culture, and deepening polarization, faculty and administrators require effective skills to navigate the strong opinions and emotions that arise when addressing social issues in the classroom and on campus. Authors in this timely volume unpack why DEI conversations are difficult, highlight common missteps when facilitating such conversations, and offer readers practical skills that support robust, inclusive, and meaningful discussions. Featuring real-world examples from educators on the front lines, this book provides actionable tools and practices to cultivate learning environments that foster student engagement, deep learning, inclusion, and a sense of belonging.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction: An Invitation for Engagement 2. Building a Learning Community for Organizational Change 3. Vulnerability as a Catalyst to Growth Mindset: Building Inclusive Learning Environments 4. Addressing and Acknowledging Power and Privilege 5. The Importance of Intersectionality: Cultivating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice in Psychology 6. Developing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Syllabi and Curricula: An Example in Academic Medicine 7. Preparing, Creating the Space, and Initiating DEI Conversations 8. Navigating and Managing Strong Emotions and Divergent Views 9. Navigating Tensions and Confrontations: Opportunities for Social Justice Dialogues in the Classroom 10. Moving Through the Messiness of DEI Conversations (Where the Real Work Takes Place) 11. Transformative Practice for DEIBJA in Virtual Learning Settings 12. Closing: Moving Forward Together

About the Author :
Anatasia S. Kim is Professor of Clinical Psychology at The Wright Institute, USA. Miguel E. Gallardo is Professor of Psychology and Program Director of Aliento, The Center for Latinx Communities at Pepperdine University, USA. Sherri A. Taylor is an independent consultant and trainer, as well as a trauma specialist at The Workplace Wellness Project, USA.

Review :
“In a time in which academic freedom is threatened and DEI programs are increasingly banned it’s more crucial than ever to clearly define DEI and its benefits. Cultivating Equitable and Inclusive Conversations in Higher Education responds to this urgent need by comprehensively defining DEI and its specific interventions through breath-taking examples. The authors describe in a compelling manner DEI conversations in which there are conflicts, ruptures and repair that ultimately lead to a richer, more flexible, and diverse understanding of our realities. This is must if our goal is to empower the voices of all.” Martin La Roche, Professor, Harvard Medical School, USA “Cultivating Equitable and Inclusive Conversations in Higher Education is a cohesive and powerful collection bringing voices and expertise to help higher education navigate these very challenging times. Each of the chapters addresses different aspects of the learning, teaching and community processes that are essential such as building inclusive communities on campus, creating spaces and curriculum in which all students thrive, navigating challenging encounters in the classroom and on campus, and more. As a former community college counselor and administrator for eight years and a counselor educator and department chair for 22 years, I am excited to put this book into practice.” Rebecca Toporek, Professor, San Francisco State University, USA “Cultivating Equitable and Inclusive Conservations in Higher Education is a thoughtfully constructed resource for educators who take seriously their commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. The books’ editors and authors, who are experts and thought leaders in the field, enter this much needed dialogue with sensitivity to contemporary socio-political realities as well as awareness of their various identities. The authors incorporate self-reflection, in-depth exploration of relevant, insightful theories, and practical strategies for attending to power, privilege, strong emotions, intersectionality, and addressing ruptures. I highly recommend this handbook which provides various pathways to make a positive impact within your campus community.” Thema Bryant, Professor, Pepperdine University, USA “Every educator and higher education administrator committed to creating learning environments for all needs to read Cultivating Equitable and Inclusive Conversations in Higher Education. Skillfully curated by internationally recognized experts…It equips educators and administrators with the rationale, strategies, and inspiration needed to build and sustain inclusive environments. It is both a call to action and a guide for cultivating individual and organizational transformation.” Helen A. Neville, Professor, University of Illinois Urbana, USA "There could not be a more timely and important contribution for higher education right now than a book that helps educators navigate challenging DEI conversations in higher education. At a time when anti-DEI legislation has increased and created a climate of fear among individuals who simply seek to facilitate equitable and inclusive conversations, this book is a much-needed resource. This book reclaims the original intention of DEI efforts to create a more inclusive environment for everyone, with each chapter providing anecdotes, tools, and recommendations for addressing DEI related challenges and tensions. I applaud the editors and contributors for not being afraid to speak their truth to power." Kevin Cokley, Professor, University of Michigan, USA “An indispensable guide for tackling the challenges of an anti-DEI era and building connection and action through meaningful conversation. The editors and authors have crafted a comprehensive, inclusive, brave, and deeply practical resource. A gift to higher education!” Hector Y. Adames, Professor, The Chicago School, USA “…The need for a tool kit or blueprint to help facilitators lead communicative exchanges and students receive these messages is necessary and warranted, if not essential in this day and time in America. Thank goodness for this edited text by Kim, Gallardo, and Taylor, who along with the chapter authors, recognized this need and offered all of us a necessary and essential lifeline to increase the potential for positive outcomes in the exchange of messaging between members of the culturally diverse human family.” Thomas Parham, President, California State University Dominguez Hills, USA “Kim, Gallardo, and Taylor’s book is incredibly timely as we navigate backlash against DEI in higher education. The chapters remind us why DEI in higher education is so important and why we need to defend it. They contain valuable insights on developing inclusive curricula and syllabi, facilitating classroom discussions, and navigating challenges.” Nadine Nakamura, Professor & Associate Director of Clinical Training, Alliant International University, USA