On Friday, September 6, 2024, DKU faculty, staff, and students gathered for our first reading group session on “Embracing Diversity: Developing Cultural Competence for Inclusive Education.” This marks the second year of hosting this event, and we were excited to welcome returning participants as well as first-year students.
In this session, we began with an activity titled “LGBTQ Inclusive Language: Dos and Don’ts.” Participants engaged in a vocabulary exercise, discussing words to avoid and more inclusive alternatives. Together, we explored key concepts such as pronouns, gender identity, intersectionality, and privilege within the LGBTQ community. The activity was well-received, with many finding it eye-opening. Participants noted how certain terms can carry unintended negative connotations, potentially causing discomfort for gay and lesbian individuals. We also highlighted the importance of moving away from binary language to promote inclusivity for people of all genders.
Next, we transitioned into a discussion of our reading material: the study conducted by Evans et al. (2017) titled “Vocies from the stories untold: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer college students’ experiences with campus climate.” This research presented findings from another university, identifying three major challenges faced by their LGBTQ community: discrimination, isolation, and avoidance.
We emphasized to participants that while it’s important to read and be informed about the experiences of others, it’s equally critical to focus on understanding the specific concerns of our own student body. Recognizing this, we unanimously agreed on the need to initiate a comprehensive survey to gather feedback from DKU students. The survey will explore a range of topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, giving students the opportunity to share their experiences, challenges, and suggestions on these important issues.
During the session, we developed the first draft of the survey and conducted a round of critique with participants. This process proved highly successful, as we received valuable feedback to refine the survey items. By actively involving participants, we aim to ensure the survey accurately reflects the voices and concerns of our student community. The results of this survey will be pivotal in shaping faculty members’ pedagogical approaches, ensuring that classroom practices meet the diverse needs and perspectives of DKU students.
The event was organized by Zhenjie Weng, Assistant Professor of English Language Education, and Yanan Zhao, Senior Lecturer of English for Academic Purposes, from the Language and Culture Center. The event was sponsored by the Humanities Research Center, covering the fees for event promotion and refreshments for attendees.
