Dr. Larry Bryant is a professor of special education at Metropolitan State University and the School of Urban Education. Dr. Bryant’s research examines the cultural relationship between urban adolescents and social systems. His immediate interest lies in understanding the impact of race in education, the social interaction between race and social systems, and social justice and education. He uses theories of justice, anti-racist and trauma-informed theories to address the phenomenon of the over-representation of African American males in special education programs for students identified with emotional and or behavioral disabilities. 

In addition, Dr. Bryant employs several andragogy practices when teaching and mentoring nontraditional pre-service educators about not only the academic side of education but also the social-emotional traumas of a formal and institutionalized education system. 

 

In this episode Dr. Gaye Lang and Dr. Larry Bryant discuss:

• The optics of valuing diversity 

• The state of diversity in society 

• Push and pull theory 

Key Takeaways: 

• Some companies show support for diversity as part of a marketing campaign. It pays off, as they will have more “diverse dollars” coming into their company. People feel safe purchasing and frequenting places that have representation. This doesn’t mean that every company that “supports” diversity is genuine. 

• Society is moving the needle on diversity and equity but not very far. We are still moving the needle, but it’s been a very slow process. Organizations and groups do see the benefits of it, and are slowly buying into it. 

• No one wants to be sold anything, but people always want to buy something. People are often resistant when they feel like they are being persuaded. This resistance doesn’t come from the unwillingness to adopt new ideas, it’s a natural reaction to being sold something. Give people time and access, so that they can buy into diversity. 

 

“I believe that we have to find a way to attract people to who we are as individuals, and what types of different identities that we bring to our spaces.” - Dr. Larry Bryant

 

Connect with Dr. Larry Bryant: 

Email: [email protected] 

 

Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang:

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Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and to engage with our podcast community. You can also follow Dr. Lang on LinkedIn.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gaye-lang-341232232/

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KEYWORDS: 

Diversity, inclusion, equity, tolerance, racism, bias, implicit bias, and explicit bias.  

Show notes by Podcastologist: Justine Talla

 

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