Kathleen Cole
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About Kathleen
Cole's research focuses on white supremacy, political judgment, social movements, and the Black Radical Tradition. Overarching themes in Cole's writings include building support for multiracial democracy, dismantling oppressive institutions, and building the culture and institutions necessary for establishing the care infrastructure that enables people to live in dignity. Cole serves as a core team member of the Transformative Justice Alliance in Minneapolis, MN and is a prison educator with Transforming Re-Entry through Education and Community (TREC) in Minnesota correctional facilities.
Contributions
Higher Education Was Built For Moments Like This
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Publications
Explains how educators can teach students to engage in real-world policy advocacy using the ENACT model, offering step-by-step guidance for designing courses that connect students with lawmakers and communities. Finds that hands-on, policy-focused learning can help students become more active and effective participants in democracy when teaching is structured around real engagement and practical experience.
Describes how to apply anti-racist teaching methods in courses where students engage directly in policy advocacy, using real-world experiences (like working with legislators) to center issues of race, power, and inequality. Finds that bringing an “organizer mindset” into the classroom—while addressing challenges and risks—can make learning more meaningful and better align teaching with goals of social justice.
Examines how white racial identity can shape the way people process information about race, often leading them to unconsciously interpret facts in ways that protect existing racial hierarchies. Finds that these mental habits can help maintain inequality even without explicit racist intent, making them harder to recognize and challenge.