Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in pedagogy recognizes that learners bring the totality of themselves into the classroom when they learn. Our students bring a wide variety of experiences and lenses to their education including qualities such as race, gender, ethnicity, physical ability, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, first generation status in higher education, economic status, and veteran status. The intersectionality of these identities is the complex way in which the effects of multiple forms of oppression or privilege (such as racism, sexism, and classism) combine and overlap. These intersections challenge our assumptions about our students and the best way to structure a classroom or deliver material. Excellent instructors see all of these perspectives as assets that enrich learning and seek to respect and be attentive to how they present in class and learning.

For additional readings, please see the Resources on Race and Anti-Racism guide.