Tim Wise, one of the nation’s most prominent anti-racist writers and educators, will will speak on campus from 9-11 a.m. on Jan. 8 in the Simplot Ballroom in the Student Union Building (SUB). Sign in begins at 8:30 a.m.
Wise’s talk, “Challenging the Culture of Cruelty: Understanding and Defeating Race and Class Inequity in America,” is free and open to the public.
Wise’s speech will draw from his newest book, “Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Jeopardizing the Future of America.” The book examines the ways in which American politics and culture rationalize inequalities on the basis of class and race. Wise explores the myth of “rugged individualism,” race-based attacks on the nation’s poor, and ways that racism has been central to the creation of a class system in the United States.
In addition, Wise will lead an interactive workshop with faculty and staff from 1-4 p.m. in the SUB Jordan Ballroom. Participants will explore the causes – both formal and informal – for institutional racial inequities. By examining the various policies, practices and procedures that exist within educational, employment and organizational settings, workshop attendees will develop strategies for shifting their institutional cultures in the direction of greater parity.
Registration for this event is required. Lunch will be provided for workshop participants in between the morning plenary and workshop.
Wise has spent the past 25 years speaking to audiences in all 50 states, on over 1000 college and high school campuses, at hundreds of professional and academic conferences, and to community groups across the country. He is the author of seven books and is the host of the new podcast, Speak Out with Tim Wise. Wise appears regularly on CNN and MSNBC to discuss race issues and was featured in a 2007 segment on 20/20.
This event is co-sponsored by the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost, the Gender Equity Center, Gender Studies, Student Diversity and Inclusion, Casita Nepantla, and the Center for Teaching and Learning.
Wise’s talk counts as one opportunity toward the BUILD Certificate Program.