“The classroom remains the most radical space of possibility in the academy… Urging all of us to open our minds and hearts so that we can know beyond the boundaries of what is acceptable so that we can think and rethink so that we can create new visions…” – bell hooks in Teaching to Transgress. 

Responding to this call, the inaugural session for the Provost’s Diversity Institute for Faculty Development will explore how the classroom can be a space that catalyzes student activism for racial justice. #BlackLivesMatter, #DREAMers, and #StandWithStandingRock #NODAPL among many other social movements have shaped youth activism for racial justice on our campuses. The session showcases insights and reflections from faculty who support critical and creative activism in their teaching of racial justice.   

We address the following consideration as part of this session: How can our classrooms create spaces and opportunities for students to analyze, understand, and participate in racial justice-centered activism? 

Opening remarks by Cynthia Golden, Associate Provost & Executive Director, University Center for Teaching and Learning

Institute Overview by Sera Mathew, Director for Equitable and Inclusive Teaching

Panelists:

Kari Kokka, School of Education

Gabby M.H. Yearwood, Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, Department of Anthropology

SPACE IS LIMITED and registration is reserved for full- and part-time Pitt faculty.