Events
Racial Justice Equity (RJE) Talk Series with Dr. Ryan Oto
Racial Justice and Equity (RJE) Talk Series, brings together scholars, educators, organizers, and community members for a series of powerful and thought-provoking conversations.
Location: Peik 325 and via Zoom
Description of talk: The historical project of public K-12 schools serving the interests of the U.S. state is thriving. As such, schools are invested in reinforcing anti-Black logics of who belongs in society, which is reflected in overrepresentation of Black and Brown youth in school disciplinary data. Subsequently, youth of Color, particularly Black and Brown youth, experience civic disjuncture (Rubin, 2007), wherein their lived experiences conflict with the lessons taught about the ideals of democratic societies rooted in justice and equality for all. Despite a myriad of curricular and pedagogical interventions, U.S. schools have proven that they cannot be relied upon in the conventional sense to transform the system that they are designed to maintain. This demands a critical interrogation and vision for action guided by those who are most able to see the world anew: young people. This talk will explore two parts of this critical work: How we got here and what we can do about it, by telling a story of what it means for adults and youth to radically work toward solidarity with one another to combat racial violence in their school community and then inviting attendees to workshop together what it might look, sound, and feel like to engage in a pedagogy of solidarity in their own communities.
Photographs taken at the event may be used in University of Minnesota print and online publications, promotions, or shared with the CEHD community.
The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. All are welcome.
The University of Minnesota campuses were built on the traditional homelands of the Dakota and Ojibwe, and scores of other Indigenous peoples who have walked on these lands from time immemorial. It is important to acknowledge the peoples on whose land we live, learn, and work as we seek to improve and strengthen our relations with our tribal nations. We also acknowledge that words are not enough. We must ensure that our institution provides support, resources, and programs that increase access to all aspects of higher education for our American Indian students, staff, faculty, and community members.