Student Reflections from Fall 2021

“I learned that achieving social and systemic change is a step by step process that requires team building and outreach to potential allies. I also learned that achieving change could come in the form of language change in the way how we address others and through deep discussions with people willing to work with us. I also learned that at times activism and teamwork is the best way to achieve change. I also understood that the obtaining of knowledge related to our goals is important in helping us better convince others about the importance of teaching and implementing DEI.”

“The way we worked as a collaborative team was astounding. Being set into different smaller groups to accomplish more at one time was extremely effective. I also learned that a lot of social justice design needs to be rooted in a good bit of research before you can move to designing and implementing. There are also going to be a lot of barriers in the process, having a team of people like our class was essential because we all shared the load in addressing issues and concerns. The reflective nature of our work was also crucial to managing our ideas within such a short time frame.”

“I now understand that it is entirely possible to incorporate anti-oppression into any class, regardless of discipline.”

“I am now aware of the processes of changing curriculum and that it is not as simple as gathering support and firing staff. I also was able to learn more about the different ways to implement DEI and justice into current classes/systems without uprooting them completely.”

“One of the most important things I have learned this semester was how to handle being in a situation where there are people that do not agree with what you are trying to do. That was something I was never too sure of and two of the best examples of were when the Gen Ed council first came to see us and then this past time of presenting at the council meeting. This sort of thing matters because there are so many people out in this world that do not agree with the person I am, the things I believe in, and the things I stand for. What happens in those situations and the actions and words that are said can have the potential to make an impact and promote change.”

“On the first day, I said that one of my dreams for the semester was to know about how to engage in conversation about topics like antiracism. I think that my ability to articulate ideas and concepts in and outside of the class has been the most important aspect/result of the course for me. I can speak within our learning community and can most definitely respond to people that are skeptical about it. I also recognize that positivity is absolutely necessary for working on this project for extended amounts of time. Especially in a short semester where we were doing so much at once, the emotional cost of discussion was making feel a little burnout. But the moments of positivity in our learning community kind of make that bearable.”

“I learned how to talk to groups of adults in positions of power and how to prepare to present to people in a professional way about something that is so important. I learned a lot about institutional barriers that prevent change from happening. I learned how to conduct myself in a room when adults in the room do not respect our position. I learned a lot about how education systems perpetuate oppression, which is valuable especially to me as a future educator. ”

“The most important thing I learned is that creation of a learning environment where students feel safe and free of judgement due to race and discrimination is more than possible! This matters because it shows that the effective of the work we did in this class and the overall importance of including and valuing minority ideas and contributions within the classroom setting.”

“The most important thing I learned is that creation of a learning environment where students feel safe and free of judgement due to race and discrimination is more than possible! This matters because it shows that the effective of the work we did in this class and the overall importance of including and valuing minority ideas and contributions within the classroom setting.”

“One of the most important things that I have learned over the course of this semester has been that the need for diversity on college campuses all over the country, not only at places like JMU, is just a an initial piece of what is needed to bring about lasting and effective change. Many colleges promote diversity, but many do not actually take the necessary steps to ensure equity and inclusion are also factors that end up coming to fruition in the content of their courses and in other large aspects of university life. Antiracist teachings and critical race theory have a place in schools whether or not many still do not see why, and especially on college campuses that desire to prepare young adults for holding meaningful positions in an ever-evolving society. And, sharing student experiences is one of the better ways I have seen that could convince more people of this.”

“One of the most important things that I have learned over the course of this semester has been that the need for diversity on college campuses all over the country, not only at places like JMU, is just a an initial piece of what is needed to bring about lasting and effective change. Many colleges promote diversity, but many do not actually take the necessary steps to ensure equity and inclusion are also factors that end up coming to fruition in the content of their courses and in other large aspects of university life. Antiracist teachings and critical race theory have a place in schools whether or not many still do not see why, and especially on college campuses that desire to prepare young adults for holding meaningful positions in an ever-evolving society. And, sharing student experiences is one of the better ways I have seen that could convince more people of this.”