Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
Anton T. Brinckwirth, Ph.D.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of my educational philosophy. As an educator, I am committed to fostering an inclusive, student-centered learning environment where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to engage in critical inquiry. My teaching, research, and service are deeply rooted in the belief that cultural and linguistic diversity enhance intellectual growth and global awareness.

I embrace diversity because I am enriched by it. I actively seek to learn from people with different backgrounds, languages, and traditions because I believe that human connection, rooted in mutual respect, fosters innovation and progress. Cultural differences should not only be acknowledged but celebrated.

Integrating DEI into Language Instruction

In my Spanish and Latin American Film and Social Justice course, students engage with cinema as a lens to examine systemic inequality, racial and gender identity, and social justice movements in the Spanish-speaking world. Films from the New Latin American Cinema movement provide powerful narratives on poverty, illegal immigration, racism, and gender discrimination, allowing students to explore how structural inequalities have shaped communities across Latin America and Spain.

Recognizing the historical exclusion of Afro-Latino and Afro-Iberian voices, I updated my academic film lists to include Black and Indigenous experiences within Latin American and Iberian cultural narratives. Similarly, films by Pedro Almodóvar serve as an entry point for discussions on gender identity, LGBTQ+ representation, and the fight for equality. My students analyze these films not only as artistic works but as tools for social change, fostering critical thinking and cross-cultural empathy.

Experiential Learning: DEI in Action

To further enrich students’ cultural and linguistic understanding, I integrate teletandem partnerships with EFL students in Mexico and Colombia. These structured virtual exchanges provide an authentic space for cross-cultural dialogue, allowing students to discuss film themes while gaining first-hand perspectives from Spanish-speaking peers. Through these interactions, students develop both language proficiency and intercultural competence, reinforcing the idea that language learning is deeply connected to global citizenship.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusive Pedagogy

My commitment to DEI extends beyond the classroom. In 2021, I earned a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University, deepening my understanding of inclusive climates in educational settings. I also completed a Master of Teaching at the University of Virginia (2022), where I explored culturally sustaining pedagogies and strategies to mitigate bias, stereotype threats, and microaggressions.

As a Spanish and Portuguese instructor, I recognize my responsibility to ensure equitable representation of historically marginalized communities in language curricula. By integrating social justice themes, media, and experiential learning, I create opportunities for students to engage critically, develop empathy, and use language as a tool for advocacy and empowerment.

Inclusion is more than a philosophy—it is a practice that shapes how I teach, how I mentor, and how I engage with students. I strive to ensure that every student, regardless of background, feels seen, heard, and empowered to contribute to the learning experience.

Examples of how I Integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles in my Teaching