In this episode, we dive into the core themes of our season by directly addressing the current backlash against Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and the often-ironic arguments used to oppose it. We explore the tension between conformity and freedom in education and the importance of creating spaces where students and teachers can thrive authentically.

Key Takeaways

• The Irony of Backlash: We discuss how some who oppose DEIB work are driven by their own cultural beliefs, demonstrating a key hypocrisy at the heart of the current "culture wars."

• All Instruction is Culturally Responsive: We explore the powerful truth that culture is always present in the classroom. The real question isn’t whether or not to include culture, but rather, whose culture is being centered.

• Personal vs. Political: We explore the powerful shift that happens when the political becomes personal, forcing individuals to re-evaluate their stance on DEIB when it affects them or their loved ones directly.

• Conformity vs. Freedom: We use Paulo Freire's quote to frame the purpose of education, challenging listeners to reflect on whether their actions are fostering a space of conformity or one of courageous freedom.

• The Power of Words and Action: We reframe the debate around words, emphasizing that their true power lies in the actions that accompany them. Words can be a bridge or a wall, and their meaning is found in our commitment to live out the values they represent.

• Creating a Space for Safety: We talk about how educators have the power to create an environment where students and teachers are free to be authentic, curious, and collaborative without fear.

Quotes

“Education either functions as an instrument to bring about conformity or freedom.” — Paulo Freire

“All instruction is culturally responsive. The question is to whose culture is it responding?” — Zaretta Hammond

Reflection Questions:

For Teachers:

• When you hear these words, "Education either functions as an instrument to bring about conformity or freedom," how do they make you feel?

• Does the idea of conformity feel safe or scary? Does the idea of freedom feel chaotic or courageous? Why?

• Really ask yourself what you feel the purpose of education is and why you feel this way.

• What messages have you been receiving from childhood?

• What experiences did you have in education as a child and an adult that have shaped your understanding of why we go to school, not why we learn, but why we go to school.

For Instructional Coaches and School Leaders:

• What conversations are you having with your teams about the difference between conformity and freedom in the classroom?

• The work of Paulo Freire

• The book Unearthing Joy by Dr. Gholdy Muhammad

• The book Choosing to See: A Framework for Math Equity in the Classroom by Dr. Pamela Seda and Kyndal Brown

• The book Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain by Zaretta Hammond

If you're looking for support to continue this work in your own school or classroom, I invite you to explore my Equity Audit Tools, Student Data Dive Tool, and Coaching services. You can find all of these resources at https://customteachingsolutions.com/equitytools