Students as experts: Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Students as experts: Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Author: Ethical Schools December 24, 2020 Duration: 39:30

We speak with Dr. Judith King-Calnek, United Nations International School’s first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Since UNIS faculty and students come from all over the world, they draw on one another’s backgrounds and lived experience in presenting and analyzing social issues. Faculty, parents, alumni, and, especially, students are involved in new DEI initiatives. Students are actually writing curriculum, providing feedback, and delivering DEI modules to other students.

Overview 

00:00-00:52 Intros

00:52-01:41 UNIS

01:41-03:25 Anthropological viewpoint

03:25-08:05 Teaching history: Decentering Europe; globalization

08:05-09:26 Priorities as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

09:26-13:33 Restorative mindset and practices

13:33-15:56 Student DEI committee

15:56-19:40 Students writing curriculum

19:40-23:39 Approaching controversial issues

23:39-27:41 Faculty conversations on curriculum and pedagogy

27:41-30:29 Handling microaggressions

30:29-34:04 Students as ethnographers

34:04-37:51 An ethical environment

37:51-39:30 Outro

Transcription 


Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 240

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