Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Higher Education Flashcards

Which term describes the unintentional, brief, commonplace verbal or behavioral indignities that communicate hostile or derogatory messages to members of marginalized groups?

Answer: Microaggressions

Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional slights or indignities directed at members of marginalized groups that accumulate over time to cause psychological harm.

According to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which of the following is one of the three core principles faculty should apply to course design?

Answer: Multiple means of engagement

UDL's three principles are multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement—ensuring all learners can access and participate in learning.

What is 'stereotype threat' in an academic context?

Answer: A student's fear of confirming a negative stereotype about their group, which hinders performance

Stereotype threat, identified by Claude Steele, occurs when students perform worse because they are anxious about confirming a negative stereotype associated with their identity group.

Which pedagogical approach involves sharing decision-making power with students and centering their experiences and community knowledge in the curriculum?

Answer: Culturally sustaining pedagogy

Culturally sustaining pedagogy, developed by Django Paris, goes beyond cultural relevance to actively sustain and honor students' cultural and linguistic competencies.

What does 'equity' mean in the context of higher education, as distinguished from 'equality'?

Answer: Providing differentiated support based on students' varying needs to achieve fair outcomes

Equity means recognizing that students have different starting points and providing tailored support so all can reach their potential, unlike equality which treats everyone identically regardless of need.

Which of the following best describes 'cultural taxation' in academia?

Answer: The disproportionate service burden placed on faculty of color to represent diversity on committees

Cultural taxation refers to the extra, often uncompensated labor expected of faculty from underrepresented groups to serve on diversity committees, mentor minority students, and represent their communities institutionally.

A faculty developer is helping an instructor revise their syllabus to be more inclusive. Which change would MOST directly address implicit bias in course materials?

Answer: Auditing readings to include scholarship by authors from diverse backgrounds

Auditing and diversifying the authorship of assigned readings ensures students encounter diverse scholarly perspectives and signals that knowledge production is not limited to a single demographic.