On this episode of Critical Conversations, we spotlight one of Oakton's Employee Resource Groups: Elevating Indigenous Voices at Oakton. We will unpack and discuss the origins of the group, its connection to the land Oakton occupies, and key takeaways from this year's Learning Day.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Guests: Jayne Blacker, Associate Professor of Mathematics
Thomas Bowen, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

On this episode of Critical Conversations, we reflect on 10 years of leadership and service from President Joianne Smith. Together, we explore the accomplishments and challenges that have shaped her presidency, and look ahead to what the future holds for her and for Oakton College.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Special Guest: Dr. Joianne Smith, President
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguished Professor of Design

For November's holidays and observances, Brenda Cruz walks us through some information about Native American History Month, Dia de los Muertos, Veterans Day, and Transgender Day of Rememberance. Brenda and Rick discuss some ways that you can celebrate and observe these days respectfully this month.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguished Professor of Design

Join Dr. Rick Daniels for a special episode of Critical Conversations celebrating the trailblazing neo-soul artist D'Angelo. This episode explores four of his compositions that highlight spirituality, social justice, environmental responsibility, and Black empowerment. D'Angelo's music moves beyond romantic themes, offering a powerful reminder that sound itself can serve as a form of protest.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

On the next episode of the Critical Conversations podcast, we delve into "The Hidden Cost of Free Speech." Recent events have brought this classic topic back to the forefront, and together, we'll unpack how the national sentiment around free speech impacts the student experience, how we respond to various forms of on-campus expression, and how we share the Oakton story with the broader community.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Guests: Will Crawford, Distinguished Professor of English
Keith Simonds, Assistant Professor of Political Science
Steve Butera, Director of Communications and External Relations
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

In this episode of Critical Conversations, Dr. Rick Daniels cuts through the noise around "civil discourse" and gets real about what it actually means. Respectful debate isn't just about sharing opinions, it's about the skill, care, and discipline we bring into dialogue. Too often, what's framed as free speech is really provocation disguised as debate. Dr. Daniels challenges that notion and introduces four practical tools designed to help us sharpen our ability to disagree without disrespect, and to debate without demeaning.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

Have you ever felt like you had to shrink yourself to fit in? Been the "only one" in the room? Or felt pressure to speak for your whole community?

In Season 3, Episode 2 of Critical Conversations, we begin our new series Who Switched My Code? by exploring tokenism as a form of social adaptability. Together, we'll walk through the three phases: Adaptation, Reaction, and Representation. I also tell my own personal story with tokenism and reflect on how I moved from survival to authentic leadership. Code-switching has a cost; let's unpack it together.

#CriticalConversations #WhoSwitchedMyCode #Authenticity #RepresentationMatters #EquityInAction #Belonging

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

Join us for the Season 3 premiere of the Critical Conversations Podcast as we unpack the Department of Justice's letter on "illegal" DEI practices in higher education. Our esteemed panelists Dear Aunaetitrakul, Keith Simonds, and Sylvia Rosillo will delve into three key areas of the letter: its interpretations of Title VI, its implications for diversity initiatives, and potential institutional responses. This vital discussion took place on Thursday, September 4 and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion

Guests: Dear Aunaetitrakul, Senior Manager, AANAPISI, COMPASS
Keith Simonds, Assistant Professor, Political Science
Sylvia Rosillo, Associate Professor, Library

Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design