The idea of holding a teach-in in 2014 was motivated by a number of campus indicators about improving equity and inclusion on our campus, including the 2011 Campus Climate Study and ongoing reports of bias incidents on campus. These incidents included hostile acts based on race, ethnicity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, and class. Students reported that such incidents also occur in the classroom, and they have emphasized the importance of faculty response to intentional or unintentional bias comments and actions. These reports underscore the urgent need for the faculty to take a strong stand to oppose discrimination, intimidation, and oppression in all its forms. Previous Teach-Ins were so well-received that the University Academic Senate and Student Senate voted unanimously to sponsor another one this year, with the intention of making this a yearly event.

GVSU’s Teach-In is intended for the purpose of mutual education among students, faculty and staff of the GVSU community and intended to address topics related to inequality and systems of oppression, as well as social justice and liberation. Recognizing the multi-faceted dimensions of these topics and the need for deeper inclusion, Teach-In eventually became a 2-day event on both campuses. The learning objectives of Teach-In: Power, Privilege, and Difficult Dialogues are to raise awareness, inform, create dialogue, and document suggestions for action.

In an effort to involve as many students, faculty and staff as possible, sessions are held concurrently in accordance with the normal Wednesday and Thursday class schedules. Teach-In is practical, participatory and action oriented. We especially encourage contributions with an intersectional framework (race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, ability). Most sessions include student leaders as co-presenters or panelists. We welcome collaborative faculty/student/staff/community sessions that involve educational frameworks for opening dialogues, workshops, and engaged pedagogies.