The HE AL Project: Advancing Anti-Racist Practices and Pedagogies in STEMM Education "We believe the work of anti-racism cannot be left only to Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other mi- noritized people. This is why we have a large, cross-racial, and interdisciplinary collaborative team of humanities scholars, social scientists, natural scientists, librarians, evaluators, and community partners who each bring different personal and professional experiences and expertise to the project."
I n an era where racial inequalities persist, it is crucial to ac- knowledge the pervasive impact of systemic racism and take proactive steps to address it. The Humanities Education for Anti-racism Literacy (HEAL) in the Sciences and Medicine project is an initiative that aims to transform higher educa- tion by drawing on humanities research to promote anti-racist practices and pedagogies in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). By centering the edu- cational experiences of Black, Native, Indigenous, and other students of color, HEAL seeks to develop accurate narratives about the histories of racism in the sciences and medicine, re- dress underrepresentation, and create a more equitable uni- versity and society. Creating Equitable Learning Environ- ments: HEAL envisions a university community that strives to reach its full potential by reckoning with the impacts of settler co- lonialism and white supremacy. It actively seeks to repair leg- acies of colonial and extractive histories, particularly those affecting Black, Native, Indigenous, and other people of color. By fostering a strong sense of belonging for all, the project aims to listen to and learn from diverse voices on campus and in surrounding communities, engaging in dialogue and ac- tions towards social justice and equity. This vision aligns with the principles of the Wisconsin Idea, emphasizing reciprocal relationships, collaboration, and co-production of knowledge among equals.
Pedagogical Transformation: One of the key goals of the HEAL project is to develop course- based pedagogies and materials across all disciplines at the uni- versity that are grounded in anti-racist principles. These ped- agogies prioritize mutual learning, dignity, honesty, and care. By incorporating critical historical analysis of power structures, racism, white supremacy, and settler colonialism into core cur- ricula, education systems and practices can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the societal forces that shape STEMM disciplines. Goals of the HEAL Project: The HEAL project has set forth several goals to guide its trans- formative work. The first goal is for the team to continually chal- lenge themselves about ongoing histories of racism and oppres- sion in society, academia, and institutions, in order to actively engage in anti-racist practices. The team also commits to cen- tering the experiences of Black, Native, Indigenous, and other people of color, creating equitable learning and working envi- ronments through co-production of knowledge and anti-racist practices. By listening to, learning from, partnering with, and serving these communities, the project aims to develop educa- tional materials that are inclusive, equitable, accessible, and re- flective of their experiences.
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