Real Problem, Fake Solution

From 2008 to 2018, I taught mathematics at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota's designated public university for working adults with a decorated record of equity-centered education. 

In 2009, when my department asked me to propose a new math course, I encountered a pivotal question from the University's curriculum committee: how would this course advance gender and racial equity in our community? I had no answer, as the course itself is theoretical and highly computational. After consulting senior colleagues, I followed their advice and made a statement that "applications and examples involving gender and racial equity will be added to the curriculum and classroom experience." The course passed, but the reality was telling - the examples we added were negligible or inconsequential to the course content, and not all instructors used them. A worthy question had been met with a "pretend" answer. 

Years later, I was able to make my teaching more equitable by innovating my curriculum and pedagogy. But the new (and valid) solution wouldn't have been possible without first acknowledging that the old solution wasn't working.

It doesn't take a mathematician to recognize that fake solutions are dangerous. They consume resources, produce no improvement, and hinder the progress towards actual solutions. As higher education enters an era of scarce resources, high stakes, and ever-present stress, we need to face not only the problems on hand but also the fake solutions amassed over the years. We must continue examining our goals, reflecting on our actions, and searching for valid solutions. True progress requires the courage to admit when the current approaches fall short, and the willingness to develop new approaches suitable for our space and time. Only through honest assessment and dedicated effort can we create the educational environment our students deserve. The journey may be challenging, but the destination - truly inclusive and effective education - is worth every effort.