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Show Notes
Are Christian universities effectively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on their campuses? In this thought-provoking episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD engages in a powerful discussion with Charnetta Gadling-Cole, PhD, who is the President & Founder of Just 4 Me Consultants and co-editor of the groundbreaking book, “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Christian Universities: An Ecological Perspective.”
The conversation delves into the research surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in Christian universities. As a Christian herself, Charnetta emphasizes the need for universities to prioritize students’ needs and provide a safe space for their educational success. She acknowledges the influence of policies and practices on a student’s overall experience and advocates for a culture of inclusivity.
Sarah underscores the significance of organization-wide strategic plans to embrace DEI concepts, while Charnetta highlights the role of student-teacher relationships and the need for college leaders to advocate for diverse backgrounds. Join the conversation and gain valuable insights on fostering inclusivity in Christian universities. It’s time to create a welcoming environment where all students can thrive. Listen to this episode and discover practical strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Episode Highlights
14:13 – One thing that I feel strongly about is if you’re going to enroll a student, regardless of the ideologies of the university, you have to ensure that they have what they need to be successful. Some religious beliefs may feel that a certain population group may not be a good fit. I’m not going to say if that’s right or wrong, but I will say if you enroll them, you have a responsibility to provide what they need to be successful.
16:09 – It’s like diversity, in some instances, has become a bad word and I’m really shocked at that. You even have, from a lot of areas now, the whole DEI piece coming out, and look at politicians that’s pushing back on diversity, equity, and inclusion as if it’s something negative, and I think that’s the main hindrance.
22:29 – I feel like for DEI or any type of efforts to ensure inclusion, it’s going to have to be upper administration being willing to be a voice as well hearing what’s coming from their staff, faculty, and particular students and not just setting up separate groups within the university and saying, “Okay, you can have a speaker come and talk about your issues.” It takes more than that. It takes specific policies and procedures that are in place and that are embedded within the strategic plan of the university. That when you look at the mission of the university, it speaks on the importance of inclusion.
