"Real critical thinking is about cracking open conventional wisdom, bringing in other bodies of knowledge, and expanding the conversation" - Dr. Vincent Stephens

 

Decolonizing the syllabus and overturning centuries of racist policy is essential work. But, those missions aren't achievable if we don't truly ground into the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Vincent Stephens has been a bold force in higher education, advocating for higher degrees of discernment and intersectionality from leadership. In this episode, we dispel common social justice myths, critique mainstream American media, and provide positive reinforcement for those speaking truth to power. 

 

Bio: Vincent L. Stephens (he/him/his) began as the Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion in the College of Arts & Sciences in January 2021. Dr. Stephens serves on the Dean's cabinet to advise the dean, help define strategic priorities, and develop and implement policy to advance the College's commitment to diversity and inclusion. He also provides strategic consultations for faculty, staff, and students, including concerns related to climate, hiring, creation of pipeline programs, and curriculum. He has served as the Director of the Popel Shaw Center for Race and Ethnicity at Dickinson College (2015-21) and Director of Multicultural Student Services (2011-15) at Bucknell University. Through these roles he has cultivated specialties in inclusive pedagogy techniques, equitable hiring practices, cultural conflict resolution, dialogue facilitation, and student retention and engagement, among other areas.

 

An American Studies scholar, he completed his BS in Mass Communication/Print Journalism at Emerson College, MA in Popular Culture Studies at Bowling Green State University, and PhD in American Studies at the University of Maryland College Park. He is the author of 2019's Rocking the Closet: How Little Richard, Johnnie Ray, Liberace, and Johnny Mathis Queered Pop Music (University of Illinois Press) and co-editor of 2017's Post Racial America? An Interdisciplinary Study (Bucknell University Press). His essays on popular culture have appeared in various peer-reviewed journals, anthologies, and encyclopedias. He has also taught at multiple institutions, most recently as a Contributing Faculty member in the Department of Music at Dickinson College (Fall 2018-Fall 2020).

Show Notes:

 

• How educators can build curricular frameworks where all students can contribute
• How Dr. Stephens found himself back in Boston, working as the Associate Dean For Diversity and Inclusion at BU. 
• Why administrative positions can greatly contribute to a more equitable university experience
• How insights from higher education lead to more comprehensive knowledge
• Why we all need to do our diversity, equity, and inclusion homework
• How to end to the stereotype that only the wealthy, elite class earns doctorate degrees
• Why educators are often the first target when dictatorial governments take power
• Why public education is vital to the health of a democratic society.
• Is discernment lacking in our country? Is populism anti-intellectual?
• Why people will find media that aligns with their current beliefs
• What is the media not telling us? And why is that information withheld?
• How to avoid the trap of believing progress will only appear as legislative action
• Don't become overwhelmed by all the info about diversity, equity, and inclusion. There is work to be done from where you are. 
• Is western civilization built on problematic norms?
• Why inclusion starts with course design, and challenges popular convention. 
• Why we need to decolonize the syllabus
• From the way you conceptualize to the way you are interacting, your influence is having an effect collectively.
• Why to emphasize being grounded into equity, diversity, and inclusion as concepts before starting to act.

Connect with Dr. Vincent Stephens:

 

Boston University Educator Profile | Dr. Vincent Stephens

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

 

Website | amerfahmed.com

 

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

 

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

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