Dr. Dillamond
Dr. Dillamond is a goat and a professor at Gnu York University's School of Social Work in We Can Fix Pawbert. He teaches UNDSWUS 55: Diversity, Speciesism, Oppression and Privilege---the foundation course for Social Work students. His name is a Wicked Easter egg, referencing the goat professor from the musical.
"Some of you are here because this course is required. Some of you are here because you believe in social justice. Some of you are here because it fit your schedule. All of those are valid reasons. By the end of this semester, I hope you'll have better ones." — Dr. Dillamond (S04E09)
Background
Dr. Dillamond has been teaching at GYU for years, developing case studies on systemic oppression in Zootopia. His Reptile Ravine case study---examining the Lynxley family's theft of the Weather Wall patent and the destruction of the reptile community---was prepared three years before Pawbert enrolled in the program.
Personality
Dr. Dillamond is an experienced educator who creates space for difficult conversations about privilege and oppression. He moves with the quiet authority of someone who has been doing meaningful work for a long time. He is direct but not cruel, challenging students' assumptions while acknowledging the courage it takes to confront uncomfortable truths.
Key personality traits:
- Authoritative --- Commands respect through expertise and experience
- Challenging --- Pushes students beyond comfortable assumptions
- Fair --- Acknowledges when students show courage
- Thoughtful --- Distinguishes between obligation and genuine calling
Physical Description
Dr. Dillamond is an older goat who wears glasses and carries a battered leather satchel. His appearance suggests years of dedicated academic work.
Series History
Season 4
In S04E09 "First Day," Dr. Dillamond teaches Pawbert's first class at GYU. His opening case study is Reptile Ravine---the Lynxley family's theft of Agnes De'Snake's Weather Wall patent, the framing of Agnes for murder, and the destruction of the reptile community.
As he presents the material, Pawbert realizes he is sitting in a classroom learning about his own family's crimes as an academic case study.
When a zebra student asks Pawbert directly what it was like growing up not knowing about his family's history, Dr. Dillamond allows the question to stand, creating space for Pawbert to respond. After Pawbert's honest answer, Dr. Dillamond acknowledges his courage: "Thank you, Mr. Lynxley. That takes courage."
He reframes the moment for the class: "This is what we're here to study. Not abstract concepts, but lived reality. The way oppression moves through generations. The way privilege blinds us. The way we can be complicit without understanding what we're complicit in---and the harder question of what we do once we know."
After class, when Pawbert approaches to say he won't ask for special treatment, Dr. Dillamond responds: "I think you're going to do well in this program, Mr. Lynxley. Not despite your history---because of how you're choosing to face it."
He also reveals that Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps will be the next week's case study on speciesism in law enforcement.
Key Phrases
| Phrase | Context | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| "By the end of this semester, I hope you'll have better ones." | Opening lecture | Sets expectations for genuine engagement |
| "One family's crimes. One hundred years of consequences." | Reptile Ravine case study | Summarizes Lynxley legacy |
| "Thank you, Mr. Lynxley. That takes courage." | After Pawbert's honest answer | Acknowledges difficulty of public honesty |
| "Not despite your history---because of how you're choosing to face it." | After class | Affirms Pawbert's approach |
Course: UNDSWUS 55
Dr. Dillamond teaches UNDSWUS 55: Diversity, Speciesism, Oppression and Privilege. The course examines:
- How privilege enables oppression
- How systems perpetuate inequality across generations
- The intersection of diversity, speciesism, and structural power
- Case studies including Reptile Ravine and Nick/Judy's contribution to institutional change
Trivia
- Dr. Dillamond's name is a Wicked Easter egg, referencing the goat professor from the musical who faces discrimination and persecution.
- The Reptile Ravine case study was prepared three years before Pawbert enrolled---Dr. Dillamond did not choose it because of Pawbert's presence.
- He describes himself as having been teaching this course for years, suggesting deep expertise in the subject matter.