English Department Speakers Series: Diversity Lecture by Walt Wolfram

Notwithstanding the avowed commitment of higher education to equality and inclusion, the issue of language has been excluded from or erased in diversity programs at most universities. We document 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 population; 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.