(Re)Imagining the future of multicultural education: reinvesting, reorienting, and reshaping multicultural education

Abstract

Abstract Multicultural education (ME) remains essential to the development of a critical mass of culturally and socially conscious global citizens. Yet, as a field, the minoritization of ME parallels the marginalization of those whom the field was designed to support and uplift. Despite growing movements to overturn policies and programs that support diverse learners, many still ponder whether ME remains relevant to American society. Thus, this article aimed to (re)imagine the future of ME by proffering three considerations to support the uptake and sustainability of ME. In the present article, we argue that scholars reinvest, reorient, and reshape ME. First, we argue that it is important to recognize that multicultural education (ME) is a unique field with a critical role in education as well as significant implications beyond the academic environment. Then, we must reinvest in the future of ME financially, socially, and emotionally. Through reinvestment, we can reorient the ME field, resituating it in relation to the challenges of today’s racially and ethnically tense, pluralistic society. To this end, reshaping ME programs is key, including revitalizing coursework to effectively prepare educators, lay persons, social justice advocates, and others interested in universal equity. Implications for the future of ME are provided, as well as recommendations for actualizing these considerations.