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Author Bio

Paul David Terry (they/he) is a doctoral candidate in International and Multicultural Education at the University of San Francisco, focusing on human rights education and racial justice. He manages programs at the University of California, Davis Undergraduate Education Experiential Learning Hub, promoting healthcare equity and critical medical humanities. Paul has taught and conducted workshops at various institutions, including UC Davis, Rise for Racial Justice, and the University of San Francisco. His research explores the well-being of human rights practitioners through queer and Indigenous perspectives, advocating for dignity in colonial contexts. He is a Point Foundation scholar and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

jamal epperson (they/them) is a doctoral candidate in International and Multicultural Education concentrating in Human Rights Education at the University of San Francisco. They live in Los Angeles, California, where they work as the Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives and the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Alliance at Loyola Marymount University. Their research interests include human rights and peace education, restorative justice, and love.

Abstract

The landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work is currently undergoing a critical evaluation and facing attacks, revealing the limitations of performative initiatives entrenched in colonial frameworks. These initiatives often fail to acknowledge and address the erasure of Indigenous and queer identities, alongside the need for genuine representation within institutional settings. This approach may lead to creating inclusivity shaped by colonial law rather than fostering the true inclusivity and belonging that communities seek.

Advocates are calling for a shift towards a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to DEI work, urging organizations to move beyond performative gestures and toward meaningful change. As organizations and institutions continue to navigate the complexities and challenges of DEI work, it is imperative to acknowledge the historical injustices and systemic barriers that have marginalized certain communities and continue to influence programming through power dynamics and organizational needs. By embracing a holistic approach that integrates queerness and decoloniality, we have the opportunity to transcend performative gestures and pave the way for substantive progress in creating inclusive environments. In this article, we explore the vital need of a commitment to a Queer Indigenous Eye for DEI allowing us to challenge colonial legacies, promote authentic belonging for all individuals, and lay the foundation for a more just and inclusive future.

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