On the next episode of the Critical Conversations podcast, we delve into "The Hidden Cost of Free Speech." Recent events have brought this classic topic back to the forefront, and together, we'll unpack how the national sentiment around free speech impacts the student experience, how we respond to various forms of on-campus expression, and how we share the Oakton story with the broader community.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Guests: Will Crawford, Distinguished Professor of English
Keith Simonds, Assistant Professor of Political Science
Steve Butera, Director of Communications and External Relations
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

In this episode of Critical Conversations, Dr. Rick Daniels cuts through the noise around “civil discourse” and gets real about what it actually means. Respectful debate isn’t just about sharing opinions, it’s about the skill, care, and discipline we bring into dialogue. Too often, what’s framed as free speech is really provocation disguised as debate. Dr. Daniels challenges that notion and introduces four practical tools designed to help us sharpen our ability to disagree without disrespect, and to debate without demeaning.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

Have you ever felt like you had to shrink yourself to fit in? Been the “only one” in the room? Or felt pressure to speak for your whole community?

In Season 3, Episode 2 of Critical Conversations, we begin our new series Who Switched My Code? by exploring tokenism as a form of social adaptability. Together, we’ll walk through the three phases: Adaptation, Reaction, and Representation. I also tell my own personal story with tokenism and reflect on how I moved from survival to authentic leadership. Code-switching has a cost; let’s unpack it together.

#CriticalConversations #WhoSwitchedMyCode #Authenticity #RepresentationMatters #EquityInAction #Belonging

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

Join us for the Season 3 premiere of the Critical Conversations Podcast as we unpack the Department of Justice's letter on "illegal" DEI practices in higher education. Our esteemed panelists Dear Aunaetitrakul, Keith Simonds, and Sylvia Rosillo will delve into three key areas of the letter: its interpretations of Title VI, its implications for diversity initiatives, and potential institutional responses. This vital discussion took place on Thursday, September 4 and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion

Guests: Dear Aunaetitrakul, Senior Manager, AANAPISI, COMPASS
Keith Simonds, Assistant Professor, Political Science
Sylvia Rosillo, Associate Professor, Library

Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

Join Dr. Rick Daniels, Janeen Jackson, and students from Oakton's Black Student Success Program as they explore the history, significance, and future of Juneteenth. This episode delves into personal reflections, the cultural impact of the holiday, and its recent federal recognition.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Guests: Janeen Jackson, Equity Coordinator for Building Lasting African Culture and Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.) Student Success Program [BSSP]
Adaugo Uduko, Oakton Student, BSSP
Mulla Juma, Oakton Student, BSSP
AnnLouise Applewhite, Oakton Student, BSSP
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

In this episode, I unpack a simple question that left me reflecting deeply: “Are you an introvert or an extrovert?” What followed was a realization about how our environments—and the roles we play in them—can shape how we show up. I explore the idea of “performing extroversion,” the fluidity of personality traits, and what it means to lead authentically, even when it feels counter to your natural rhythm. Whether you lean introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in between, this episode invites you to rethink how identity shows up in your professional life. Drop a comment and join the conversation.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

In this episode, we explore Oakton’s transition to Lattice, a new performance management system designed to foster meaningful conversations, continuous feedback, and employee growth. Join us as we discuss the journey behind the shift, unpack common perceptions around evaluations in higher education, and share what employees and managers can expect moving forward.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion

Guests: Mindy Finnigan, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition and Development
Tom Hicks, Director of Student Success and Academic Interventions
Roxana Betka, Human Resources Generalist
Tamara Laws, Bursar

Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

In this episode, we welcome our first non-Oakton affiliated guest to the podcast, Dr. Jorg Vianden, author of the book, "Got Solidarity?: Challenging Straight White College Men to Advocate for Social Justice".
We get to know Dr. Jorg Vianden, how he got started in higher education, what inspired his doctoral work and the research that informed his book. Then we discuss how he handles resistence and challenging straight white men to be advocates for social justice.
We also hear from Oakton's Manager of Student Conduct and Title IX Coordinator, Robert Pererson, who studied under Dr. Vianden. Enjoy the show!

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Guests: Dr. Jorg Vianden, Professor, Student Affairs Administrator, and Author
Robert Peterson, Manager of Student Conduct and Title IX Coordinator, Oakton College
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design