Advocating for Change: A Reflection on my Journey to Social Justice Education

Abstract

It takes a deep commitment to change and an even deeper commitment to grow.— Ralph EllisonThis quote from Ralph Ellison highlights the complexity of the concepts of change and growth. As faculty, we are constantly called on to facilitate the growth and change of our students through their academic work. This chapter provides a narrative of one faculty member's growth toward understanding and the incorporation of social justice concepts and structures into her classroom.I had my first microbiology test last week and as the professor returned the papers, he made a point to acknowledge the work of one student who received a perfect score. When he called my name and I stood up, I saw confusion on his face…and a look of disappointment…. I guess he didn’t expect a Black female to do well on the test.— Anonymous student

Citation

Butner, B.K. (2013), "Advocating for Change: A Reflection on my Journey to Social Justice Education", Boyer, P.G. and Joy Davis, D. (Ed.) Social Justice Issues and Racism in the College Classroom: Perspectives from Different Voices (International Perspectives on Higher Education Research, Vol. 8), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 45-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3628(2013)0000008006