Reflections on Race: My Journey with White Guys on Campus Nolan Cabrera November 4, 2020 Nolan Cabrera is an associate professor in the Center for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Arizona where he studies the racial dynamics on college campuses with a focus on Whiteness. Dr. Cabrera is an award-winning scholar whose numerous publications have appeared in some of the most prestigious journals in the fields of education and racial studies. His recent book, White Guys on Campus: Reform, White Immunity, and the Myth of “Post-Racial” Higher Education (2019), received the 2019 AERA Division J Outstanding Publication Award and the 2019 ASHE Outstanding Book Award. He unpacked the differences between "white privilege" and "white immunity" as he discussed some of the more illuminating personalities and responses that he encountered while researching systemic racism across the United States. Cabrera also spoke to the challenges of conducting personal interviews (and qualitative research generally) on charged topics. The session was moderated by Dr. Amy Stich and was coordinated by the Working Group on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion as the series' inaugural event. Read more about the seminar Investing in Racial Equity and Student Success Wil del Pilar & Kayla Elliott December 16, 2020 Wil Del Pilar and Kayla Elliott, leading higher education policy experts at The Education Trust, shared recent research on race conscious policies and objectives-based funding (OBF). Dr. Del Pilar, vice president of higher education policy and practice, drew from findings in Hard Truths, published earlier this year. This report, part of the State of Higher Education Equity series, addresses questions like: How do you respond to opponents who prefer not to focus on race?, Why can’t we focus on income?, and How can we advance race-conscious policies in higher education and states? Dr. Elliott focused on data from an upcoming report on OBF and offered practical guidance for policymakers on how to design OBF programs that lead to real progress, rather than reinforcing the same inequitable practices. Charles Sanchez, PhD candidate, welcomed the participants, and the session was moderated by Dr. Erik Ness. The IHE Working Group on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion coordinated the event as part of the Institute's Critical Perspectives on Race series with additional support from the Higher Education Student Society. View recording Read more about the seminar The Campus Color Line Eddie Cole February 8, 2021 Dr. Eddie R. Cole visited the Institute virtually to discuss the research and findings of his book, The Campus Color Line: College Presidents and the Struggle for Black Freedom (2020, Princeton University Press). Dr. Cole highlighted how several presidents actively shaped racial policies and practices on their campuses and beyond in the mid-20th century and how complex bureaucracies within higher education systems inhibit consistent messaging and clear communication. His lines of inquiry remain relevant today as they impact role of leaders at HBCUs, of messaging around issues of racial justice and injustice, of programs to improve equity, diversity and inclusion, and how to reckon with the past. Grace Covello and Dr. Timothy Reese Cain moderated the event and introduced the speaker. The event was part of the 60th anniversary of the desegregation of the University of Georgia commemoration and was presented by the Institute's Critical Perspectives on Race Committee. View recording Read more about the seminar Toward More Racially Equitable Campus Communities: A Panel Discussion with DEI Leaders Ed Lee, Dominique Quarles, Tiffanie Spencer April 22, 2021 Dr. Ed Lee III of Emory University, Dr. Dominique Quarles of the University of Georgia, and Dr. Tiffanie Spencer of the University of Vermont. discussed how individuals and institutions can move towards racial equity in all aspects of higher education. The three IHE graduates are now diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leaders on their campuses. The speakers shared perspectives on a variety of topics, including their experiences on campus, what solutions are necessary for true, transformative change, trends in DEI work on campuses, and what activities are ineffective. They also offered practical guidance and recommendations of necessary steps to raise awareness and engage everyone in constructive DEI work. Dr. George Spencer moderated the session. The Working Group on Diversity & Inclusion coordinated the panel as part of its Critical Perspectives on Race series. View recording Read more about the seminar
