EPISODE 13
Exploring Dr. Gloria Ladson Billings’ crusade against systemic inequality in the classroom
In this episode . . .
In recent years, there has been increasing resistance to critical race theory (CRT), diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and enforced book bans, as some people refuse to recognize how the country’s racist past continues to influence the present. This cultural conflict has impacted many areas of American life, including workplaces and education, with today’s focus on education. Gloria Ladson-Billings, known for her work in culturally relevant teaching, has developed new frameworks aimed at reducing academic gaps between mainstream and minority students. Gabrielle David interviews Ladson-Billings about the current efforts to ban CRT and remove Black history and culture from school curricula. They discuss the benefits of providing honest and inclusive education to all students—such as enhanced learning, greater cultural awareness, and stronger critical thinking skills—and explore possible strategies to achieve these goals.
“I fear that ‘social justice’ has become kind of a buzzword that we use to suggest we are serious about confronting disparity, racism, sexism, heterosexism, able-ism, and other forms of human asymmetry and the lack of equity or equality.”
—Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, “Trans people: Let’s show this country who we are,” LA Blade, November 11, 2022
Bio
Gloria Ladson-Billings is an educator, educational theorist, and scholar known for her work in culturally relevant teaching, critical race theory, and examining how systemic racism and economic inequality affect educational opportunities. She holds the title of Emerita Kellner Family Distinguished Professor of Urban Education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. In 1995, Ladson-Billings became the first African American woman to earn tenure in the UW–Madison School of Education and is connected with several academic institutions and organizations. Her research centers on effective teaching methods for African American students and the application of critical race theory in education.
Ladson-Billings has written six well-regarded books and has received numerous awards and honors for her significant contributions to education and research. Her academic recognitions include the H.I. Romnes Faculty Fellowship, the NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship, and the Palmer O. Johnson Outstanding Research Award. She was a fellow at Stanford University’s Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences during the 2003-2004 academic year. In 2004, she was honored with the George and Louise Spindler Award from the Council on Anthropology and Education for her important and ongoing work in educational anthropology. In 2018, she received the AERA Distinguished Research Award and was inducted into the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Ladson-Billings earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Morgan State University, her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Washington, and her PhD in Curriculum and Teacher Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education.
SEE EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
Support the podcast on Patreon
Connect with Gloria Ladson Billings
