Educator, activist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Bettina Love gave a keynote lecture on educational policy, anti-racism and educational reparations.
“Punished for Dreaming: The Case for Abolitionist Teaching and Educational Reparations” was attended by students, educators and members of the community on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the L.P. Young Student Center’s Mabel Brown Room.
Love was originally scheduled to speak in September of 2024, but had to reschedule as a result of Hurricane Francine.
Love, a recipient of the Stowe Prize for Literary Activism and finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, spoke about harmful effects on Black students that resulted from decades of educational reform policies and offered insights on how modern educators can address challenges going forward.
“All children deserve the right to walk into a classroom and feel seen and loved for who they are,” said Love.
“Teaching is one of the most rewarding and thoughtful professions, and we desperately need educators who are prepared to teach all children with empathy, love, grace and kindness. That’s what I want future educators to walk into the classroom with,” added Love.
Love reflected on the importance of educational reparations, and healing that can take place both in and out of the classroom.
“Education is important in every setting, and learning can take place anywhere because if there’s kids, we can teach. That’s the beautiful part of democracy and humanity,” said Love.
“When you think about the harm that’s been done to Black and Brown students, especially knowing about the school-to-prison pipeline, we have to think deeply about harm and repair. I’ve never claimed to have all the answers, but I’d like for us as a country to think about repair, and reparations is a form of repair,” added Love.
Two summers ago, Keene State College obtained external funding from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and the Nellie Mae Education Foundation for a teacher’s retreat to discuss educational issues.
Leftover funds were allocated to bring Love to campus, as well as provide copies of her book “Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children And How We Heal.”
Associate Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Dottie Morris expressed hope that the lecture would be meaningful for education students, as well as practicing teachers.
“There’s a lot of things current teachers can teach aspiring teachers and a lot of things our education students can re-spark in current teachers as well,” said Morris.
“It’s a two-way street, and that cross-pollination of discussion and exposure, under the context of an inspiring speaker like Love can really be beneficial for both sides,” added Morris.
Professor of Education Darrell Hucks incorporated his students into the event, having them attend and hand microphones to audience members. Hucks said that encouraging his students to be active participants in thoughtful discussions can help to facilitate a deeper learning experience.
“Pulling them in, and helping them engage in this conversation, and challenging them is so important,” said Hucks.
“Sometimes students hide behind the traditional way of being a student, sitting there with someone else at the front of the room and quietly taking notes and regurgitating that information. I don’t think that model guarantees or ignites a passion for learning,” added Hucks.
One of Hucks’ students, junior Mikhail Ozols attended the lecture and said he enjoyed the event.
“I’ve been reading Love’s book, and everything was really engaging and I hope to bring what I learned into my career someday,” said Ozols.
Ryan Pacheco can be contacted at
rpacheco@kscequinox.com
