How to Decolonize Your Research

The George Washington University
When
-
Where

Online

Webinar Description 

Decolonize your research? We recognize that this angle might be jarring to some who might think of colonization as an antiquated process and therefore not understand the need to “decolonize”.  However, it is important to examine the foundation and origins of our current institutional processes and customs before tackling how to reform them to result in a more diverse, just, and equitable learning environment.  For example, we would examine the foundation of a house before adding upper floors.  In the same way, we feel it is important to be inclusive, collective, and transparent about the factors that still influence our academic culture and can impede us from fully realizing our collective goal to build an anti-racist institution.  

Intended Audience

Anyone who conducts, reviews, or relies on research at the under/graduate or doctoral level is the primary audience but all are welcome. 

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the etymology and evolution of the race construct;
  • Discuss the political use of 'race' in research;
  • Recognize scientific colonialism; and
  • Justify decolonizing science.

Did you miss the 1st Series on Decolonizing the Classroom?

You can find the recording from the webinar that modeled what decolonizing teaching looks like here.

Stay Tuned for More in this Webinar Series

This is the second in a series of applied trainings on decolonization practices for faculty, staff, and students to unlearn the insidious ways that white supremacy, imperialism, and patriarchy get normalized and institutionalized. Naming the colonial traditions of Eurocentric and Westernized language, medicine, teaching, and research is necessary to dismantle the interlocking systems of oppression that fuel racism, gender oppression, heteronormativity, ableism, and xenophobia. Without a critical examination of often overlooked power structures in the colonial legacy of our nation’s history and the institution of higher education, the dominant culture of whiteness will only further be disguised as literary canons, evidence-based practice, and race-neutral policy. Our training series will supplement existing efforts to live our social mission across disciplines and university-wide. You can find the promo video here.

Acknowledgement

Funding was secured to support this series from the OVPR University Seminar.