Russell's invited talk was offered via Zoom and was titled, "Study Abroad: A Gateway to Empathy and Equity."
On Thursday, March 11th, Senior Lecturer LD Russell gave an invited lecture organized by the American Association of Study Abroad Programs (AASAP).
Presented via Zoom, the talk was entitled “Study Abroad: A Gateway to Empathy and Equity.”
Drawing on 15 years of experience co-leading study abroad and study away courses, Russell explored the roles of race, gender, and class in the design, construction, and presentation of various sacred spaces. He then engaged with the audience in thinking about the many ways exposure to the values and customs of cultures other than their own can equip students – and their faculty/staff program leaders – with a broader sense of empathy as well as a deeper appreciation for and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Russell is currently serving as faculty-in-residence for the Elon Study Abroad spring semester program in London, England. He is teaching a Core capstone course titled “Sacred Space in English History and Contemporary Culture.”