Join Dr. Rick Daniels for a special episode of Critical Conversations celebrating the trailblazing neo-soul artist D'Angelo. This episode explores four of his compositions that highlight spirituality, social justice, environmental responsibility, and Black empowerment. D'Angelo's music moves beyond romantic themes, offering a powerful reminder that sound itself can serve as a form of protest.

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

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