Keynote: Linguistic Justice, Belonging and the Role We All Play

Publish Date: Sept. 2, 2026

As part of Crafton Hills College’s Fall 2026 In-Service on August 21, keynote speaker Dr. Lynn Westergaard provided employees with an opportunity to learn, reflect and consider how linguistic justice and belonging can be incorporated into the ways we serve students across the college. Her presentation emphasized that this work extends beyond the classroom—every employee, regardless of role, contributes to creating an environment where students feel valued, respected and supported.

Westergaard explored how language shapes identity, culture, belonging and access, and how judgments about accents, dialects, grammar and different ways of communicating can unintentionally influence perceptions of who is considered capable, professional or welcome. She encouraged employees to recognize students’ language and lived experiences as strengths while considering how everyday interactions and practices can contribute to a greater sense of belonging.

Throughout the keynote, Westergaard highlighted examples of work already taking place at Crafton Hills College, from supporting students as they transition to college and maintaining high academic expectations with appropriate support to connecting learning with students’ experiences and developing linguistically inclusive curriculum.

Employees were encouraged to reflect on their own roles and identify meaningful steps they can take during the semester. The keynote reinforced the purpose of In-Service as a time for the campus community to learn and grow together and to carry that learning forward into the work we do each day to support Crafton Hills College students.