Dear Higher Education: Letters from the Social Justice Mountain

Reflections From a Mothering Scholar

Bao Vaaj Nchaiv Txab

Cosumnes river college

Keywords: mothering, scholar, parenting, higher education

Abstract

This letter is a reflection to administrators, educators, students, classified staff, and anyone who cares about the future of our children. Read this with care and intention. This is me calling out for support. This is me asking for folks to speak out against the power dynamics within our own institutions. As a mothering scholar - educator, it is important to recognize and begin to dismantle violent practices within our own hiring committees and our departments. Our students deserve better, especially our mothering - parenting students, who work full-time and take classes. We recognize that our higher education systems are not designed to support such students; however, we can center their experiences. I am one of many who is willing to share my lived experiences of navigating this violent system created without me in mind. Let’s hear them. Let’s see them. Let’s do better by them. 

We continue to teach equity and diversity but our practices have failed. Failed us and our students, therefore failing our future generations. This is a call for folks who hold power at the decision making table to reflect on your own practices and your departments’ practices. All we do requires more than intention.