In celebration of Black History Month, the Wesleyan Student Assembly Committee for Inclusion and Diversity hosted “Allyship in a Post-Racial Society” on Feb. 19.
A faculty panel, which included Professor of Psychology Robert Steele, examined the meaning of effective allyship within the Wesleyan community and beyond.At left, J. Kehaulani Kauanui, professor of anthropology, professor of American studies, spoke about the importance of acknowledging indigeneity in contemporary society.Manju Hingorani, professor of molecular biology and biochemistry, spoke about the pressing need to increase diversity in the fields of science and technology, in order to realize the full potential of many different talents and perspectives in making new discoveries. She also noted some of the intrinsic and extrinsic barriers faced by underrepresented minority students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. She also spoke about the importance of allyship in overcoming barriers to academic success, particularly the importance of students building a strong, supportive environment wherein they help each other set and achieve career goals.Christian Hosam ’15 moderated the event. He also posed the question, “How do personal notions of social justice influence your curriculum?” (Photos by Bill Tyner ’13)
Benjamin Travers
James Sims
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Ziba Kashef