18027: Navigating Sensitive Topics in the Classroom: Fostering Inclusivity and Confidence

This Professional Development Workshop (PDW) will focus on strategies for creating inclusive classrooms and addressing politically sensitive topics to cultivate a respectful and open learning environment. Faculty members play a critical role in guiding discussions that challenge perspectives while ensuring students feel supported and engaged. This PDW provides strategies for promoting inclusivity, facilitating difficult conversations, and developing confidence when addressing politically charged issues. By fostering inclusivity and addressing sensitive topics with care, faculty members can create environments where all students feel valued and heard. Developing confidence in navigating politically sensitive issues is a continual process that benefits from reflection, learning, and collaboration. In doing so, we not only enhance our teaching but also contribute to shaping a more empathetic and informed student body. This PDW seeks to address how to navigate and manage politically charged issues in the classroom as well as best practices for fostering equity and inclusion. The workshop will begin with a brief reflection on the concept of equity and the challenges (academic and outside) most minorities face while attempting to obtain a degree. Next will be a three-part panel discussion featuring established scholars who have successfully utilized best practices to create equity in the classroom. The workshop will conclude with a Q&A session after the panel discussion.