The Urgent Need for Change in Higher Education: Recognizing the Dispensability of Black and Brown Bodies/Minds

The Urgent Need for Change in Higher Education: Recognizing the Dispensability of Black and Brown Bodies/Minds

"Are Black & Brown bodies/minds ever so dispensable and disposable". But when the streets shackled my right leg, I pulled it up and hopped on my left. All my life, I’d heard people tell their black boys and black girls to 'be twice as good,' which is to say 'accept half as much.'"

"Higher ed must change or die (opinion) | Inside Higher Ed". Imagine if a company lost nearly 10 percent of its profits in two years. The situation would be catastrophic. Drastic changes would be expected. We have lost nearly 10 percent of our students, but where is our sense of urgency? What will it take for us to recognize that the status quo is not working?

In these two statements, the undercurrent of a pressing issue emerges - the dispensability and disposability of Black and Brown bodies/minds in higher education. The experiences of marginalized communities within academia reveal the need for a radical overhaul of the system. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the problem; action must be taken to create a more equitable and inclusive environment.

The first statement highlights the resilience and determination of individuals who have encountered systemic barriers. The metaphorical act of hopping on one leg signifies the adaptability and strength required to navigate a system that often undervalues and marginalizes Black and Brown individuals. The call to "be twice as good" reflects the unfair expectations placed on these communities, demanding an exceptional level of performance in order to receive half the recognition and opportunities.

The second statement draws attention to the decline in student enrollment, a significant indicator of the failure of higher education institutions to meet the needs of diverse student populations. While a loss of nearly 10 percent may not seem catastrophic to some, it should serve as a wake-up call to the urgent need for change. The lack of a sense of urgency from the institutions themselves raises questions about their commitment to addressing the systemic issues at hand.

To truly address the dispensability and disposability of Black and Brown bodies/minds, higher education institutions must embark on a transformative journey. This journey requires a collective understanding and recognition of the deep-rooted biases and structural barriers that perpetuate inequality within academia. It necessitates a commitment to dismantling these barriers and creating an environment that values and supports the success of all students.

Actionable Advice:

1. Implement Anti-Bias Training: Higher education institutions must prioritize anti-bias training for faculty, staff, and administrators. This training should focus on raising awareness of unconscious biases and providing strategies to counteract them. By addressing these biases head-on, institutions can create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.

2. Recruit and Retain Diverse Faculty: Representation matters. Institutions should actively recruit and retain diverse faculty members who can serve as mentors and role models for students from marginalized communities. By diversifying the faculty, institutions can help combat the feelings of isolation and underrepresentation often experienced by Black and Brown students.

3. Restructure Curriculum to Incorporate Diverse Perspectives: The curriculum should reflect the diversity of the student body and the world at large. Institutions should critically examine their course offerings and prioritize the inclusion of diverse perspectives and voices. This can help students develop a more nuanced understanding of different cultures and experiences, fostering empathy and understanding.

In conclusion, the dispensability and disposability of Black and Brown bodies/minds in higher education is a systemic issue that demands immediate attention. The experiences shared by marginalized individuals within academia highlight the urgent need for change. By implementing anti-bias training, recruiting diverse faculty, and restructuring the curriculum, higher education institutions can begin to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate inequality and create a more inclusive and equitable environment. It is time for higher education to recognize that the status quo is not working and take meaningful action to ensure that no body or mind is ever deemed dispensable.