by Monika Sziron, Ph.D.
In episode 15 of the HigherEdJobs Podcast, Kelly and Andy sit down with Dr. Shai Butler and discuss the status of diversity, equity, equality, and inclusion (DEEI) in higher education.
Dr. Butler shares her expertise in moving DEEI forward in higher education and her hopes and dreams for DEEI in higher education.
Dr. Butler advises that listening is a simple but very effective act that everyone can do to close knowledge gaps when it comes to DEEI.
“Through listening, there’s always something I can learn…And that’s how we close the knowledge gap, by first realizing that there is a knowledge gap, that I don’t know [everything], that we are all on a continuum of learning and understanding, and that we’re all at different places, but it’s also about taking ownership for where I am.”
Trust is a vital component of DEEI work in higher education. Trust must be established between those involved in DEEI work. Dr. Butler says “Now trust gaps I think can be addressed when I do do my homework and I take strides towards closing the knowledge gap. I think first we have to own that there are trust gaps between different groups for very valid reasons.”
The status of DEEI in higher education is complex but Dr. Butler believes there has been a lot of improvement over the years, but does highlight that there is a ‘no pain, no gain’ dynamic to DEEI. “…this work is messy and it’s not easy, but you still, if you’re committed to the end result, if you’re committed to change, if you’re committed to a better institution and a better society, then the short-term pain is something you are willing to risk for the longer-term gain.”
Check out all of Dr. Butler’s articles on HigherEdJobs.
