Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr., New York Times bestselling author, political commentator and academic scholar, will deliver a keynote discussion at 6:00 p.m. in the Alice Statler Auditorium on September 13, 2024. 

Glaude, the James S. McDonnell Distinguished Professor at Princeton University, is celebrated for his profound insights into African American studies, as well as his commentary on race, democracy and social justice. He is the author of several books exploring the complexities of the American experience and challenges facing U.S. democracy. Glaude is also a frequent contributor to TIME Magazine and MSNBC programs, Morning Joe and Deadline: White House.

Sonia Rucker, associate vice president of the Department of Inclusion and Belonging, recalls her first encounter with Glaude’s work: “I saw him on TV and was captivated by the way he spoke. His unique style of writing beautifully mixes history, politics and religion with his own personal narrative. I’ve admired him as an author, but after hearing him speak at the CUPA-HR conference, I realized he was a phenomenal keynote speaker as well, and I needed to bring him to Cornell.”

Glaude’s discussion will focus on the importance of diversity and the need to reclaim its narrative. He recently wrote an article in TIME Magazine addressing the backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives on college campuses in the wake of recent nationwide student protests. Glaude encourages the need to reexamine DEI in higher education and urges readers to see diversity as a value to be cherished rather than a standard to comply with.

The 2023-24 academic year has seen several states introduce anti-DEI legislation banning or limiting DEI initiatives on college and university campuses across the nation. However, Cornell has remained dedicated to creating an equitable and inclusive environment. 

“We are pleased that Cornell’s leadership has indicated that diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging will continue to be supported and will remain a core value of the institution,” said Rucker referencing Cornell’s core value of fostering a “A Community of Belonging.” “However, the sustained attacks on DEI make it imperative for us to carry on with these conversations. We want to demonstrate that our commitment and support of diversity, equity and inclusion is not performative. This work is important to us, and we hope to provide the appropriate opportunities and protected spaces for these discussions to continue.”

Following Glaude’s discussion, there will be a Q&A session with the audience. The event is free and open to all and will also be livestreamed. For more details and to register, please visit the event page.

This event is co-sponsored by the Department of Inclusion & Belonging, Office of Faculty Development & Diversity, Presidential Advisors on Diversity & Equity (PADE), and Africana Studies and Research Center.