Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, founder of Boston University’s Center for Antiracist research, discussed how students can actively practice anti-racism on college campuses. // Photo courtesy of Hofstra University Relations.
The Hofstra Cultural Center, in partnership with the Maurice A. Deane School of Law and the Hofstra University Center for Civic Engagement, hosted Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, the founding director of Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research, for an hour-long, virtual question-and-answer conversation on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
Kendi is a regular contributor to both CBS News and The Atlantic and is a three-time New York Times bestselling author. Students, staff, faculty and other members of the Hofstra community attended the event, which occurred on Zoom. The discussion, focusing on racial equity on college campuses, was co-moderated by Dr. Katrina Sims, assistant professor of history and faculty-in-residence, Division of Student Affairs and Sevion McLean, a senior engineering student and president of the Xi Psi Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Kendi’s ideas on anti-racism were met with positive regard by the Hofstra community. Both students and faculty expressed great praise for Kendi and his work.
“[The discussion was] very informational, with great insight on how to actively practice anti-racism on a college campus, which is especially important given the political climate,” said Tyler Mroczek, a sophomore journalism major. “He does the same thing in the books that he’s published, and he does a great job of not only explaining the problems that we have, but also giving applicable solutions for everyday people.”
Sage Wenninghoff, a freshman rhetoric and public advocacy major and a Center for Civic Engagement fellow, expressed a similar sentiment toward Kendi. “I thought it was overall very enlightening,” she said. “Something that interested me was when [Kendi] was talking about teaching anti-racism in school, which is not something that I am used to experiencing as a student.”
“Anti-racism means that every student, whether that student is white or BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and People of Color], gains access to equal opportunities in all forms, both on and off campus,” said Ashley Riboul, a sophomore drama major. “It also has a lot to do with pointing out words and actions that are discriminatory and racist, and that those who performed those acts have to actually take accountability.”
During the conversation, Kendi emphasized that an important tenet of becoming an anti-racist institution is hiring diverse faculty, since such individuals often leave a lasting legacy. Inspired by the surge of activism over the past few years, colleges and universities around the country have taken a closer look at how they promote racial equity. Hofstra is no exception, as back in 2019, the university hired Cornell Craig as the chief diversity and inclusion officer, a brand-new position at the time.
“To have somebody in the President’s Cabinet,” said Dr. Warren Frisina, dean of the Honors College, “raising these questions and issues at every stage, is a big step. At every meeting, when the Provost [Dr. Herman A. Berliner] gets to talk about hiring, he talks about being proactive in the formation of diverse pools. Every department that gets to hire is in conversation with our chief diversity and inclusion officer about the way in which they are composing their pools.”
In addition to equitable hiring practices, Kendi believes that educational institutions must also place a focus on creating an anti-racist learning environment.
The discussion on anti-racism was held on Zoom with maximum attendance. // Photo courtesy of Julian Rocha.
“This involves infusing anti-racism and equity at the forefront,” said Veronica Lippencott, associate director of the Center for Race, Culture and Social Justice and adjunct associate professor of global studies and geography. “BIPOC students need to know that they are in a safe space with their instructor. Faculty should reflect on changing content and delivery that further marginalizes BIPOC students. We should strive to create spaces of learning where everyone feels safe.”
Lippencott stressed the importance of safety and anti-racism in the learning environment. “It is my hope that faculty who are committed to being anti-racist will be sure to create curricula with anti-racism in mind,” she said.
