Abstract
Higher education faces unprecedented political and organizational shifts, including bans on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These challenges create barriers for educators committed to equity and justice. Grounded in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, “Finite Disappointment, Infinite Hope,” this article explores cultural humility—particularly institutional accountability—as a key strategy for navigating this evolving landscape. Cultural humility fosters critical self-reflection, redressing power imbalances and lifelong learning, offering a sustainable approach to social justice advocacy. This article outlines strategies for bolstering institutional accountability. The author introduces Five Care Practices—Recalling Core Values, Remembering, Resting, Reading and Intellectualism, and Radical Self-Care—as essential tools for historically marginalized education professionals and leaders to sustain authenticity, engagement, and revitalize hope. By embracing these practices, academic leaders can remain resilient, advocate effectively for themselves and their communities of resistance, and uphold education’s transformative potential despite systemic barriers.
Recommended Citation
Scott, R. (2025). Finite Disappointment, Infinite Hope: Enacting Cultural Humility, Institutional Accountability, and Sustainable Resistance. The Journal of Advancing Education Practice, 6(1). https://openriver.winona.edu/jaep/vol6/iss1/2
