Author to discuss racism, white fragility at KU lecture
LAWRENCE — New York Times best-selling author Robin DiAngelo will discuss her book “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism” at the University of Kansas on Oct. 28. DiAngelo will examine the dynamics of “white fragility” and how readers can build capacity in the ongoing work toward racial justice.
The public is invited to attend the free lecture in Forums A and B of the Burge Union. The talk will start at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a book signing. Book sales will be provided by the KU Bookstore. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and light refreshments will be available. Seating will be first-come, first-served.
This event is presented by the Faculty and Staff Committee on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the University of Kansas School of Law. The committee is led by Leah Terranova, assistant dean for academic and student affairs at KU Law.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. DiAngelo coming to campus,” Terranova said. “Hosting an author of this caliber with work that centers on social and racial justice underscores the commitment of the law school and our university and community partners to matters of inclusivity.”
DiAngelo is an affiliate associate professor of education at the University of Washington. Her research focuses on whiteness studies and critical discourse analysis. She has been a consultant and trainer for over 20 years on issues of racial and social justice.
“White Fragility” is DiAngelo’s third book that discusses whiteness and racial justice. She wrote “What Does It Mean To Be White? Developing White Racial Literacy” and co-wrote “Is Everyone Really Equal? An Introduction to Key Concepts in Critical Social Justice Education” with Özlem Sensoy.
The event is sponsored by the Lawrence Public Library, KU Libraries, KU Law, Leverage Law Firm, Student Union Activities, U.S. Bank, KU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and KU’s Department of English.
“It’s our hope that this event sparks ongoing collaboration and communication on matters of diversity across professional, academic and community lines,” Terranova said.