2015: Education for Justice
Denison University’s the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 2015 Day of Learning theme, “Education for Justice,” focuses on the role of education in the quest for justice.
Keynote speaker and author James Loewen is a sociologist who has uncovered many omissions and half-truths in American history high school textbooks. Loewen published his findings in “Lies My Teacher Told Me,” which has sold more than 1.3 million copies and continues to inspire K-16 teachers to help students find excitement in history that goes beyond their textbooks. His keynote is titled “Lies My Teacher Told Me – About Race.”
Loewen taught about race relations for twenty years at the University of Vermont. Previously he taught at Tougaloo College in Mississippi. Loewen has been an expert witness in more than 50 civil rights, voting rights and employment cases. He has authored several books, including “Teaching What Really Happened,” “Sundown Towns,” “Lies Across America: What Our Historic Sites Get Wrong,” “The Truth About Columbus,” “Social Science in the Courtroom,” and “The Mississippi Chinese: Between Black and White.”
Post-convocation series of lectures:
- “All White on Purpose: Sundown Towns around the Midwest” with James Loewen from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Burton D. Morgan Lecture Hall (150 Ridge Road).
- “Veganism: Active Non-Violence” panel discussion from 2 to 3:30 p.m., President’s Room, Huffman Dining Hall (700 East Loop).
- “Black Lives Matter” discussion from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Herrick Auditorium (500 West Loop).
- “Rediscovering Denison’s Past: More than a Noose,” sponsored by Sustained Dialogue, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Higley Auditorium (100 Ridge Road).
- “Men’s Role in Creating a Positive Campus Climate” discussion from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Slayter Auditorium (200 Ridge Road).
- “Freedom of Expression and Respect for Difference on Campus” Philosophy Coffee from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Knobel Hall (150 Ridge Road).
- “Peacemaking in Palestine,” Global Studies talk by Rick Polhamus from 7:30 to 9 p.m., University Room, Slayter Hall (150 Ridge Road).
