“The Antiracist Language and Literacy Practices Research Team: Conducting Studies, Developing Pedagogies”

The Wayne State Antiracist Language and Literacy Practices (ALLP) research team, comprised of faculty members and graduate students, formed across disciplines in 2020. We have designed and carried out three university-wide studies with both faculty and undergraduate students at Wayne State to investigate instruction in writing-intensive courses. Concerned with the persistence of white racial norms in language instruction, we pursue research that informs our own pedagogies as instructor-scholars who are invested in inclusive practices. At the end of this semester, we are holding cultural mapping sessions with undergraduate students. We will chart where on the Wayne State campus students feel their diverse language and cultural practices are supported, and identify areas where faculty and administrators can further improve inclusion, equity, and belonging on our campus. Faculty and students are invited to get involved! Today’s presentation features Anna Lindner, assistant professor of teaching in the Department of Communication; Linda Jimenez, associate professor of teaching and interim director of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the College of Education; and Nicole Varty, associate professor of teaching in the Department of English, co-director of the composition learning community, and chair of the composition mentoring committee.