Sociolinguistic (In)Justice in Higher Education: Solving the Problem We Created

Notwithstanding the avowed commitment of higher education to equality and inclusion, the issue of language has bee n excluded from or erased in diversity programs at most universities. This presentation documents the empirical basis of linguistic prejudice and discrimination in higher education through an extensive series of student and faculty interviews in a large metropolitan university. Based on the conclusions, we have developed an innovative, campus-infusion model for language diversity targeting students, faculty, and staff at the university. Activities include integrated classroom materials, videos highlighting linguistic diversity on campus, formal and informal workshops for diverse campus populations, the establishment of a Linguistic Diversity Student Ambassadors program, and other activities and resources that have led to the creation of a national model for authentically including language in the diversity canon in higher education.

Refreshments provided.