Shá Duncan Smith is an engaging activist-scholar dedicated to creating a completely inclusive environment for students. Currently, she is fulfilling this mission as the Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Community Development at Swarthmore College. Shá identifies key misconceptions prevalent in the social justice space, with thoughts on pronouns, interfaith education, and more. We also talk about finding joy amidst oppression, moving beyond performative knowing, and developing students’ capacity for change.

Show Notes:

• This episode is in honor of Walter Wallace Jr. who was killed by the Philadelphia police force last month
• What specific policies, procedures, and practices need to be dismantled or addressed?
• Why Amer and Shá focus on developing their student’s capacity for change rather than trying to directly change beliefs
• The benefits of an interfaith education and understanding
• How to help students move out of the deficit framework
• How Amer and Shá are assisting students of color on college campuses
• What aspects of the higher educational model need the most work to be inclusive?
• Do colleges have a “sink or swim” attitude towards minorities on campus?
• What is the educational value of diversity? Is that lost thru assimilation?
• “We don’t always have to perform knowing” - Amer
• Since pronouns are a deeply personal aspect of someone’s life, should we be asking new acquaintances about that?
• Why we need to find joy even in the face of oppression
• Resource: Author and activist Adrienne Maree Brown - “Emergent Strategy” & “Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good”
• How to move beyond performative activism and transactional relationships
• What is the leading edge in pedagogy and inclusive education?
• How Covid-19 is uniquely affecting students of color
• How can we balance academic vigor with mental health?
• Why faculty should receive ongoing training to help them implement strategies from the diversity, equity, and inclusion field.

Connect With Shá:

LinkedIn | T. Shá Duncan Smith

Swarthmore’s Directory | Shá Duncan Smith

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

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