Algorithms and Social Justice: A Collaborative Approach to Equity in Tech

How can we ensure that technology advances equity rather than perpetuating systemic inequities? Lehigh University professors Dr. Suzanne Edwards (English/Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies) and Dr. Larry Snyder (Industrial and Systems Engineering) explore this pressing question and more in Algorithms and Social Justice, an innovative interdisciplinary course they team-teach. In this presentation, Dr. Edwards, an expert in feminist/queer theory, and Dr. Snyder, a specialist in data and systems engineering, will share elements from their course that bridges coding with critical discussions on race, gender, and equity in technology. Participants will gain valuable insights about the impact of algorithms and generative artificial intelligence on diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially their capacity to perpetuate systemic inequities or foster transformative progress. Professors Edwards and Synder will also explore the challenges and rewards of teaching across disciplines, the collaborative process of developing the course, and its transformative impact on students as they tackle the ethical complexities of technology. Faculty and students will leave inspired by this dynamic example of interdisciplinary teaching and energized for future programming organized this semester by the Hanson Center around the theme Can AI Generate IDEA’s? Navigating the Promises and Perils of Artificial Intelligence for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access.