Promoting Race Pedagogy in Higher Education: Creating an Inclusive Community

ABSTRACT

The current study reports outcomes of a professional development model intended to strengthen faculty members’ cultural competence and skills for teaching about diversity and inclusion. Creating Inclusive Communities (CIC) was developed collaboratively by faculty from across social science disciplines based on a theoretical framework emphasizing learning principles, critical consciousness, and White racial identity development. This study examined the outcomes of the model on student cultural competence based on pre-post survey analysis. Findings indicate that students perceived a benefit from course activities related to race pedagogy and showed statistically significant results in two of three courses. These findings indicate that the infusion of an inclusive model, including in courses not directly related to diversity topics, has potential benefits to students. Additionally, the impact is strengthened through a more integrated approach over the course of the semester.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stacy A.S. Williams

Dr. Stacy A.S. Williams is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Marist College. She is also a nationally certified school psychologist and a licensed psychologist in New York State. Her research focuses on factors that promote effective collaboration and inclusive climates in tertiary spaces.

Daria V. Hanssen

Dr. Daria V. Hanssen is the Director of the BSW Program and an Associate Professor at Marist College. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has practiced in the fields of mental health with children and families, family preservation, hospice, and corrections. Her research focus is on creating civil and inclusive working and teaching environments.

Carol R. Rinke

Carol R. Rinke is Associate Professor of Education and Assistant Dean for Social and Behavioral Sciences at Marist College. A former classroom teacher, Dr. Rinke is interested in building an equitable and sustainable educational system that reaches all K-12 students. She also coordinates a community engaged and collaborative research group, the Marist Center for Social Justice Research.

C. Ryan Kinlaw

Dr. C. Ryan Kinlaw is an Associate Professor and chair of the Psychology Department at Marist College. His research interests bridge the areas of developmental, educational, and social psychology. His curiosity about factors related to academic achievement across childhood into young adulthood have led him to examine individual, social, and cultural influences in teaching and learning.