Defunding DEI & AI Education with Casey Fiesler

In this conversation, Casey Fiesler discusses the recent cancellation of her NSF grant focused on AI education, exploring the implications for students and the broader academic community. The discussion delves into the challenges of securing funding for research, the ideological battles surrounding misinformation, and the impact of government policies on AI education. In this conversation, Casey Fiesler discusses the critical intersection of AI education and ethics, emphasizing the importance of broadening participation in computing, particularly for historically excluded groups. She highlights the historical context of gender in computer science and the ongoing challenges faced by women in the field. The conversation also addresses the impact of DEI funding cuts on academia and the potential future of research in light of these changes. Fiesler encourages continued advocacy and research in these areas, despite the challenges posed by funding cuts and shifting priorities in academia.