Celebrating Diversity Month with Action and Learning

April is Celebrate Diversity Month, and at the University of Baltimore, we’re embracing this opportunity to learn, share, and connect through a series of events and scholarly insights. This month is not just about celebration; it’s about taking meaningful steps towards understanding the diverse tapestry of cultures, identities, and experiences that enrich our community.

As educators, we have the power to influence and support our students’ diverse backgrounds. Two scholarly articles underscore the importance of fostering an inclusive learning environment.

• Three Decades of Culturally Relevant, Responsive, & Sustaining Pedagogy: What Lies Ahead?
  This article traces the evolution of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, highlighting its focus on student learning advancement, cultural competence, and fostering critical consciousness. It emphasizes CRP’s expansion into diverse educational settings, including STEAM, and introduces Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy as a further development aimed at resisting the educational status quo.
• Culturally Responsive Teaching: Its Application in Higher Education Environments
  This piece explores CRT’s role in higher education, providing strategies for faculty to create culturally inclusive lesson plans. It stresses the importance of understanding students’ diverse cultural backgrounds to enhance the learning environment and promote equitable access to educational opportunities. 

These approaches emphasize the significance of recognizing and incorporating students’ cultural identities in the classroom, enhancing their learning experience and success. Outside of the classroom, the following events are also a testament to UBalt’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

• Cultural Couture Gala (April 4): Celebrate cultural identities with attire, storytelling, live music, and diverse foods in the UBalt Student Center.
• Community Service Day (April 5): Engage in service projects to strengthen community bonds across Baltimore, starting from Gordon Plaza.
• Ethics and Digital Accessibility – It’s a Whole New World (April 10): Join a panel on digital accessibility’s ethical considerations with experts and advocates in Bogomolny Library, Room 412.
• International Asexuality Day Panel (April 18): Explore the spectrum of asexuality through personal stories and discussions in the UBalt Student Center Cafeteria.
• Voices of DEIA at the University of Baltimore (April 24): Delve into DEIA initiatives and their impact on reducing healthcare disparities at the Business Center Kaufman Auditorium.

Celebrate Diversity Month is a reminder of the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive society. Let’s use this month to reflect on our practices, participate in these enriching events, and continue our commitment to making UBalt a welcoming place for all.