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on changing phrases/terms used to describe Regional Publics using this recent @monthly article as an example of how even accurate/appreciative media coverage can perpetuate deficit-based understandings of the sector. (Inspo: @kevinrmcclure) https://washingtonmonthly.com/people/anne-kim
on changing phrases/terms used to describe Regional Publics using this recent @monthly article as an example of how even accurate/appreciative media coverage can perpetuate deficit-based understandings of the sector. (Inspo: @kevinrmcclure) https://washingtonmonthly.com/people/anne-kim
Original text: "lack the prestige of their more elite counterparts"
Edit: "facilitate access for students marginalized and excluded from elite higher education"
This edit acknowledges prestige's problematic nature as it is rooted in white supremacy and social exclusion.
Edit: "facilitate access for students marginalized and excluded from elite higher education"
This edit acknowledges prestige's problematic nature as it is rooted in white supremacy and social exclusion.
Original text "occupy the middle space between community colleges and flagship[s]"
Edit "are distinctive colleges and universities founded to serve as 'stewards of place'"
This edit disrupts the problematic "mushy middle" narrative by showing the sector's unique societal role.
Edit "are distinctive colleges and universities founded to serve as 'stewards of place'"
This edit disrupts the problematic "mushy middle" narrative by showing the sector's unique societal role.
Original text "higher education’s true workhorses"
Edit "higher education's democracy's colleges"
This edit acknowledges their broader public purposes rather than defining them in purely utilitarian ways that ignore their contributions to equity and regional wellbeing.
Edit "higher education's democracy's colleges"
This edit acknowledges their broader public purposes rather than defining them in purely utilitarian ways that ignore their contributions to equity and regional wellbeing.
Original text "so-called 'regional' public universities"
Edit "Regional Public Universities [OR] Regional Comprehensive Universities"
This edit acknowledges that this is a distinctive sector, not one that is undefined.
(Can't imagine anyone saying "so-called Ivy League.")
Edit "Regional Public Universities [OR] Regional Comprehensive Universities"
This edit acknowledges that this is a distinctive sector, not one that is undefined.
(Can't imagine anyone saying "so-called Ivy League.")
Original text describing elites U.s "top tier" or "top colleges"
Edits "highly selective institutions that fail to promote access at the same rate as Regionals"
This edit disrupts social ordering of Us based on exclusionary/undemocratic admissions and centers Regionals.
Edits "highly selective institutions that fail to promote access at the same rate as Regionals"
This edit disrupts social ordering of Us based on exclusionary/undemocratic admissions and centers Regionals.
To be fair the author used more accurate descriptors (which I include below). The point I'm trying to make is that how the media and scholars describe Regionals matters as words have the power to lend (or strip) legitimacy and acknowledge (or ignore) contributions to equity.
Kudos to the following, more accurate descriptors of Regionals in the article! 
Regionals "are particularly important in providing higher education access to minority students—and they play an enormous role in supporting their local economies"
Regionals "are particularly important in providing higher education access to minority students—and they play an enormous role in supporting their local economies"
"But if these schools pull through this period, they could be pivotal to a robust and equitable post-pandemic recovery"
"regional public universities are typically the economic anchor of the towns or cities where they’re located"
"regional public universities are typically the economic anchor of the towns or cities where they’re located"
"potent engines for achieving greater educational equity and economic inclusion"
"Given the vital role that regional public universities have and will continue to play, the nation can’t afford to let these institutions become yet another casualty of the pandemic."
"Given the vital role that regional public universities have and will continue to play, the nation can’t afford to let these institutions become yet another casualty of the pandemic."
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk! (Steps off soap box, sets it to the side and refocuses on writing this dang AERA proposal.) (End thread.)
