Episode #210: Dr. Sarita Srivastava

In Episode #210, sociologist Sarita Srivastava joins Osi to examine the persistent failure of diversity training and anti-racism efforts in corporations, schools, and nonprofit organizations. They discuss the need to move beyond superficial therapeutic and educational exercises, advocating instead for tangible actions that promote genuine racial equity throughout society. Dr. Sarita Srivastava is Professor of Sociology and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science at OCAD University in Toronto. Her research areas include social movements, race, and emotion. In her previous position as a faculty member of the Departments of Sociology, Gender Studies, and Cultural Studies at Queen’s University, she developed seminars and supervised graduate students in areas such as Race, Gender and Nation, and taught a Social Justice practicum for many years. In her prior work as an activist, she was director of a national environmental campaign for Greenpeace Canada, active in community radio and environmental education, and supported Indigenous, labour and feminist social movements. Her latest book, “Are You Calling Me a Racist? How to stop talking about race and start taking real antiracist action,” New York University Press, 2024 explores the conflicts, emotional responses and pedagogical practices that arise when organizations are faced with anti-racist challenges.