Introduction
The goal of this Open Educational Resource (OER) is to centre the voices of marginalized students and to recognize students as contributors to knowledge, change, and hope.
After over 20 years of teaching in post-secondary, I’ve heard countless stories from students about challenges they have faced in the classroom and workplace in regards to inclusion. Some I’ve witnessed first hand, some I’ve experienced myself. Many have been heartbreaking, frustrating, and difficult to sit with. But I knew I couldn’t just listen. I had to do something. This project was born from a need to inspire change and to inspire hope.
Chasing hope became a recurring theme as I worked on this resource. There has to be hope that things can, and will, change. As many contributors shared, even the smallest gestures such as a kind word, a respectful acknowledgment, making space for someone’s voice—can have a powerful impact on someone’s sense of belonging. And for those in positions of power, change must also include looking at and shifting the systems and structures that continue to exclude.
As educators, we have the opportunity and responsibility to encourage student agency. This quote from KPU’s Teaching & Learning Commons reminds us:
“We can celebrate students as contributors to evolving repositories of OER and to evolving public knowledge. We can learn from and with students. Open Pedagogy is empowering for students as postsecondary learners and as whole people.”
Each chapter in this OER shines a light on a key theme: Inclusion, Belonging, Accessibility, Indigenous Voices, Words, Names, Representation, 2SLGBTQIA+ Identities, Equity, and Change, Allyship, and Taking Action Matters. These are not just topics. They’re deeply personal to many of the contributors. And they are vital to creating welcoming, equitable spaces in both classrooms and workplaces.
Most importantly, I want you to know: you matter. Whether you are a student, faculty member, alumni, or employer, this resource is for you. No matter your role, you can make a difference.
My goal with this project is to amplify the lived experiences of KPU students and alumni, and to spark open, honest dialogue about inclusion and belonging. Too often, students from marginalized communities face invisible barriers. They navigate racism, exclusion, and silence—especially in spaces like work-integrated learning or academic settings where these conversations are rare. Many are hesitant to speak out, fearing they’ll be seen as “less than” by peers or employers.
But the truth is: these stories matter. And they deserve to be heard.
We need to normalize these conversations in post-secondary. We need to create spaces where students can share their experiences without fear, and where institutions are actively working to become places of equity, accessibility, and belonging. Research shows that underrepresented students often internalize negative stereotypes, leading to self-doubt, lower engagement, and compromised mental health. That must change.
This OER includes stories, video clips, case studies, discussion questions, and learning activities designed to invite reflection, inspire conversation, and fuel action. It brings together insights from KPU students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
This is not just a resource. It’s an invitation to listen, reflect, and act.
Still chasing hope. Always.
Lindsay
