Toward a Reparative Humanism Approach in Higher Education

In reflecting on how we can break cycles of intergenerational trauma, South African scholar Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela asks us: “What does it mean to be human in the aftermath of historical trauma?” She calls for "Reparative Humanism," a new ethic of care that grounds our work. In this session, we will apply the lens of reparative humanism to higher education. Participants will be invited to engage with the questions: what does it mean to be human in the academy, to grow and heal, to succeed and thrive, in the aftermath of collective trauma? How might we cultivate forward-looking learning spaces and institutions that address not only current challenges but also past injustices? And that allows all of our students and employees, regardless of their challenges and backgrounds, to thrive and contribute to the wellbeing of others?

We will examine one model of reparative humanisms and consider its five dimensions. First, wellbeing: How to create and optimize conditions for students’ wellbeing? Second, adversity: How to empower students and educators to understand and use their agency to grow beyond and heal from their adversities? Third, history: How does the past impact us today? Specifically, how does intergenerational trauma show up within higher education? Fourth, communities: How to learn from and empower communities to use their traditions toward healing and thriving? Fifth, ecosystem: How do we achieve more equitable systems so they are readily accessible, relevant and empowering? Considering each dimension, we will examine points of resistance within higher education and ways to transmute that resistance to opportunities.

Participants will also consider examples at the individual level (micro), departmental level (meso), and institutional level (macro) that enact reparative humanism. The session will conclude with an invitation where the audience will reflect on how such a new ethic has implications that extend beyond the current moment and higher education. How might it allow us to grow, to become flourishing human beings, and to contribute to intergenerational wellbeing?