About This Episode

Season 5. Episode 12.

In this episode of Education Insight, Dr. Kevin Cokley, Associate Chair for Diversity Initiatives at the University of Michigan, explores the critical topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in education. Dr. Cokley discusses how DEI is implemented across schools and universities, addressing common misconceptions and the broader impact these initiatives have on campus climate for students, faculty, and staff. He also delves into the effectiveness of DEI programs, sharing real-world examples of how such initiatives have led to measurable improvements in student outcomes.

The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as Dr. Cokley reflects on the potential immediate and long-term effects of removing DEI programs from educational institutions. He also offers insights into the challenges educators might face if DEI efforts are reduced or eliminated. Finally, Dr. Cokley provides advice on how schools can strike a balance between inclusivity and ensuring that all students feel they belong, regardless of their perspective on DEI. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on the current state of DEI in education and its implications for the future.

Featured Guest

Dr. Kevin Cokley

Kevin Cokley, Ph.D., is the University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor and Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan, where he serves as Associate Chair of Diversity Initiatives for the Department of Psychology. Previously he was Chair of the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas, where he held the Oscar and Anne Mauzy Regents Professorship for Educational Research and Development. He has been a Fellow of the University of Texas System and the University of Texas Academy of Distinguished Teachers, past Director of the Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis, and Professor of African and African Diaspora Studies.

His research and teaching can be broadly categorized in the area of African American psychology, with a focus on racial identity and understanding the psychological and environmental factors that impact African American students’ academic achievement. Dr. Cokley studies the psychosocial experiences of African American students and students of color and is currently exploring the impostor phenomenon and its relationship to mental health and academic outcomes.

He is the past Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Black Psychology, holds the title of Distinguished Psychologist and received the Scholarship Award from the Association of Black Psychologists. He is the past President of the Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race and was elected to Fellow status in the American Psychological Association for his contributions to ethnic minority psychology and counseling psychology. He is the recipient of the Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award, the Charles and Shirley Thomas Award for mentoring ethnic minority students, and the 10 Rising Stars of the Academy award by Diverse Issues in Higher Education.

He is the author of the 2014 book “The Myth of Black Anti-Intellectualism” which challenges the notion that African American students are anti-intellectual, the editor of the 2021 book “Making Black Lives Matter: Confronting Anti-Black Racism”, and editor of the 2024 book “The Impostor Phenomenon: Psychological Research, Theory, and Interventions.” He has written several Op-Eds in major media outlets on topics such as defending DEI, critical race theory, the Black Lives Matter movement, Blacks’ rational mistrust of police, racism and White supremacy, the importance of ethnic studies, and racial disparities in school discipline. His research has been recognized in media outlets, including the New York Times, USA Today, and Inside Higher Education.

Watch the Episode

Interview Highlights

3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

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Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.