John Brown as Freedom Fighter or Madman? Questions for Abolition Democracy Today
Scott Davidson, professor of philosophy
6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1
John Brown's attack on Harper's Ferry is a famous event in our regional history, but the figure of John Brown continues to perplex us. Is he a righteous freedom fighter seeking to liberate enslaved people? Or is he a religious fanatic dispensing divine violence on a corrupt society? To what extent is this perplexity emblematic of the conflict of interpretations today concerning the vestiges of slavery in American society? This talk promotes reflection on how John Brown might still be with us, perhaps now more than ever.
Register to AttendLGBTQ+ Rights: Past, Present and Future?
Brad Grimes, assistant director for Meredith Center for Career Services and Professional
Development at WVU College of Law
6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8
Grimes will discuss the gradual development of laws providing rights and protections to LGBTQ+ people, provide an overview of where we are today and talk about threats to current legal protections, from adverse legislation being introduced in states nationwide. This includes discussion on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ intimation that the Supreme Court’s major cases involving LGBTQ+ marriage and other rights be “reviewed” per the decision-making involved in the Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade.
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Inclusive Language and Micro Aggressions: Recognition and Responsibility
Angela Cartwright , director of diversity initiatives and community engagement
for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22
Participants are invited to a discussion on how we can help create an inclusive and appreciative environment for all Mountaineers through using inclusive language and disrupting micro aggressions.
Register to AttendThe Haunted History of Halloween
Aaron Gale, associate professor of religious studies
6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29
Gale will discuss the haunted history of Halloween.
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Becoming an Ally for Native American Justice
Bonnie Brown, teaching assistant professor of Native American studies
6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12
Native Americans represent a very small percentage of the U.S. population, but just a few hundred years ago Indigenous people comprised the full population of the Western Hemisphere. Their presence in the land dates back to “time immemorial” and at least 30,000 years by scientific estimates. Given centuries of colonization, genocidal acts, and other harmful government policies, today’s Native initiatives deserve broad, thoughtful support. In this presentation, Brown will discuss how effective allies are advocating for Indigenous-led efforts, including goals outlined by Reclaiming Native Truth, such as:
- Improve the portrayal of Native Americans in the news and entertainment media
- Ensure the respectful inclusion and accuracy of Native American history and cultures in educational curricula
- Promote greater inclusion for Native Americans in the development of public policy
- Ensure inclusion and equity within philanthropy that promotes investment in Native communities
- Support solutions that will propel Native American communities forward
Ableism Disrupted
Lesley Cottrell, director of Center for Excellence in Disabilities
6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19
Cottrell will define ability and ableism, review examples of ableism occurring in our daily lives, and explore different perspectives of disability and bias identity. She will also discuss ways to interrupt ableism with resources, support and advocacy.
Register to AttendDiversity and Equity Aren't Buzzwords
Stefanie Hines, teaching associate professor of energy land management
6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3
In this presentation, Hines will discuss why diversity, equity, and inclusion
aren't just buzzwords, but are meaningful in education and life. She'll explore
what these words mean, why they matter and how they can make a difference in
the world. By the end of this talk, attendees should have a better understanding
of why it's important to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion.