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Jesika Keener Ed.D., is a 2025 graduate of the Ed.D. program in Educational and Professional Practice at Antioch University.

Dissertation Committee:

Richard Kahn, Ph.D., Committee Chair

Kristine Tucker, Ed.D., Committee Member

Gary Delanoeye, Ed.D., Committee Member

Keywords

Speciesism, hidden curriculum, autoethnography, critical discourse analysis, humane education, ecolinguistics, disability studies, veganism

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Language not only carries oppression as an educative force, but research indicates that language is inherently speciesist and highly pervasive (Ethical Globe, 2021; Guevara Labaca, 2017; Hamlett, 2024; Leach et al., 2023). However, the ontological commitment to speciesism is historically foundational, which makes the total eradication of speciesist communication only viable through an unemerged hypothetical future society (Kahn, 2011). For the possibilities of such a world to come into being, pivotal steps must first be taken to critically engage with the communicated forms of speciesism in order to better understand it and actively resist its reproduction—with the aspiration for this anti-speciesist work to become more institutionalized and culturally relevant. Complemented by critical discourse analysis (CDA) to analyze the nature of language and its power dynamics, this autoethnographic study examines the hidden curricular aspects of speciesist discourse, and the ways in which oppressive ideologies are practically reinforced by it. Data sources collected from personal memory exercises, self-observational audits, and self-reflections on everyday speciesist engagements are analyzed using critical reflexivity through a combined lens of humane education, ecolinguistics, and disability studies. Results highlighted the unique experiences of holding a double consciousness (Du Bois, 1968) as both a former, unconscious participant in speciesist culture, and now as an activist opposing speciesism. This study opens further possibilities to future scholars who wish to take up this work, as well as expands the literature to include a practical exploration into countering speciesist discourse through civic engagement and the educational opportunities afforded by everyday interactions. Additionally, the research bridges the gap between the hidden curriculum of traditional classroom environments and the hidden curriculum of the culture that shapes our learning through everyday experiences and interactions with others, contributing to a more comprehensive framework for challenging speciesism in commonplace discourse. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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ORCID No. 0009-0008-0518-524X

Bio: Grounded in a commitment to total liberation, Jesika (she/her) sees education as a catalyst for inspiring compassionate coexistence with all beings. Her work focuses on fostering spaces that reflect these values and empower others to pursue meaningful change.

Before earning a Doctor of Education in Educational and Professional Practice at Antioch University in tandem with a Graduate Certificate in Comprehensive Humane Education from the Institute for Humane Education, Jesika earned a Master of Arts in Education from The University of Akron and a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Wesleyan University.

Publications:
Keener, J. (2023). Communities often jump the gun on deer culling programs, rather than carefully thinking through a plan [Letter to the editor]. Cleveland.com. https://www.cleveland.com/letters/2023/02/communities-often-jump-the-gun-on-deer-culling-programs-rather-than-carefully-thinking-through-a-plan.html

Keener, J. (2024). Animal abuse isn’t entertainment [Letter to the editor]. The News-Herald.

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