Personal reflections on how research on military veterans informed my DEI course

Abstract

In this essay, I share my journey as an educator professor, transitioning from teaching "Business Professionalism and Personal Character" to "Design Thinking, Ethics, and Inclusion in Business." Recognizing the impact of inclusive teaching practices on fostering a sense of belonging for all students, I explored the literature on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in a business context. This led me to uncover a significant oversight in traditional DEI approaches—military veterans were often excluded from broader inclusion discussions. By integrating modules that highlight the experiences of military-connected individuals and challenging prescriptive assumptions about veterans, I aim to create a fully inclusive classroom where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. My commitment to continuous improvement and growth drives me to adapt my teaching methods based on student feedback and emerging research on inclusivity, particularly for military-connected individuals. Embracing inclusivity enriches both my students' learning experiences and my research, while advocating for broader inclusivity in DEI practices.