Virtual Commons - Bridgewater State University

Diversity in Teaching and Learning

Hart 217

The Diversity Council has recently disseminated a draft for a campus-wide diversity plan that underscores BSC’s commitment to civility, respect, and equality. While many campus members have developed a wide array of courses, programs, and activities to foster these values on campus, diversity remains a challenging issue for teaching and learning. Some faculty feel that students are receptive to a diverse curriculum, while others feel that students tend to be dismissive about these issues as “political correctness.” Yet the facts remain that in many ways students from marginalized social identities still often lag behind in academic achievement, retention, and graduation. How can we as a campus community create and sustain an inclusive environment in teaching and advising? Panelists from different disciplines and perspectives address their views of diversity in terms of issues of social justice, intercultural competency, and learning and teaching within a context that fosters equity and respect.