Thursday, August 27, 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic, combined with the nationwide protests following the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, have laid bare the racial disparities that exist in education, healthcare, political participation, and other systems in the United States. These disparities and inequities accompany students as they enter into the learning spaces at the University of Iowa and can be exacerbated by the pedagogical approaches used. In the wake of the sudden changes in teaching during spring 2020 and the continued uncertainties that are accompanying the start of the 2020-2021 academic year, attention to equity in the student experience is paramount. This panel discussion examined how equity issues emerge in the academic experience and adversely impact the student experience in and out of the classroom. Additionally, it provides tools for faculty to ensure more equitable learning experiences for students.