Legislative Labyrinths: Religious Studies Resilience in Florida

This roundtable explores the intricate nexus of scholarship and pedagogy in Florida's higher education, navigating legislative challenges with a focus on attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Panelists from a regional public university and a private institution offer diverse perspectives. The panel includes tenured professors, an instructor, and an adjunct instructor, collectively illuminating the broader labor conditions in religious studies. Their experiences address challenges in course design, program advocacy, and the aftermath of legislative changes. Beyond Florida, the discussion acknowledges the nationwide impact of such legislation, emphasizing the need for collective awareness. The elimination of an Interfaith Center underscores the broader consequences, and faculty members share strategies for teaching hot-button topics in conservative environments. This roundtable invites an engaging exploration of resilience and vulnerability amid legislative shifts affecting faculty governance, teaching, and research.