W&M hosts national colloquium on minority studies
National minority studies colloquium More than 50 scholars from across the nation will discuss topics such as human rights, critical pedagogies, native issues and race and immigration. Artwork by the Office of Creative Services
The College of William & Mary, in partnership with the Future of Minority Studies Project (FMS), hosts a national colloquium on Minority Studies entitled, “Subjugated Histories, Decolonizing Practices,” February 24 -26 on the College campus. All panels are free and open to the public.
The colloquium brings together nationally recognized scholars and activists dedicated to Minority Studies on both the national and international level. The event features renowned scholars Silvio Torres-Saillant, professor of English and Latin American and Latino studies at Syracuse University; Linda Alcoff, professor of philosophy at Hunter College and CUNY Graduate Center and a central figure in Latin American philosophy and feminist studies; and Paula Moya and Hazel Markus, professors of literature and psychology respectively at Stanford University and co-authors of the new book “Doing Race.”
Twelve William & Mary professors from a variety of disciplines including sociology, anthropology, English, education, modern languages and literatures, law and the Center for Student Diversity will participate in the event. In total, 56 scholars from institutions such as Duke, Virginia Tech, Stanford, Arizona State, University of Oregon, University of North Carolina – Greensboro and Vassar College will discuss topics such as human rights, critical pedagogies, native issues and race and immigration.
Event organizer and Assistant Professor of Hispanic Studies John Riofrio said a unique aspect of the colloquium is that there are no simultaneous panels, giving participants the chance to engage in focused and productive discussions across disciplines.
“FMS has long placed issues of social justice and equity at the center of its mission. To that end, FMS has made a concerted effort to transform the academy through mentoring,” said Riofrio. “The idea of foregoing simultaneous panels means that participants are able to engage in a sustained dialog over the course of two, intensive days. It’s productive, engaging and often inspiring.”
Precolloquium events will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24 in Blow Hall, room 201. Panels will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, in the Sadler Campus Center, Chesapeake room A/B. Panels conclude beginning at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Williamsburg Hospitality House.
For a complete list of program participants, panel topics and times, please visit http://wmfms.blogs.wm.edu/, or view the program agenda [PDF].
For more information, contact Professor John Riofrio at jdriofrio@wm.edu or (757) 221-3827.
