Events & Calendars Affirmative Action: Our Past and Our Future

A community-wide half-day of learning about the past, present and future of affirmative action, and the implications of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision against race-conscious practices for higher education and beyond. Registration for this event is encouraged. Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to come and go based on their schedule.

12:45-1:40 p.m. - History
A conversation with Paul Smith ’76 P’09, vice president for Litigation and Strategy at the Campaign Legal Center, and Pat Fitzgerald ’82, H’07 about the history, debates around, and impact of affirmative action and race-conscious admissions, and how affirmative action has impacted considerations of sex, gender, and other identities. The conversation will be moderated by Sheree Ohen, chief equity and inclusion officer. An audience Q&A to follow the panel discussion.

1:45-2:45 p.m. - Practice
A conversation with Michael A. Elliott, president of Amherst College, and Matthew McGann, dean of admission and financial aid, about the College’s approach to admissions, staff and faculty hiring, athletics, and student life. The conversation will be moderated by Rhonda Cobham-Sander, the Emily C. Jordan Folger professor of Black Studies and English. An audience Q&A to follow the panel discussion.

2:50-3:45 p.m. - People
A multigenerational panel of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) alumni and current students will reflect on what Amherst College was like in previous eras and the similarities and differences today. This is an opportunity to learn from the past to guide the future. An audience Q&A to follow the panel discussion.

Visit the link below for more information about the panelists and to register.