Take on the hard topics: Engage in Critical Conversations

The Office of the Provost is undertaking a speaker series that will engage a panel of experts in Critical Conversations. These monthly, cross-disciplinary conversations will cover important—and often controversial—topics from politics to gun violence, to climate change and more. 

The conversations will engage a panel of experts in an effort to uncover various themes including the historic, legal, societal, ethical and health implications of the subject.

“I strongly believe we learn more from each other, and engage more wholly, when we take on hard topics together,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Ben Vinson III. “Now is the time for our faculty, staff, students, and postdocs alike to come together to do the work.”

The first conversation will take place next Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Tinkham Veale University Center. Food and drinks will be provided.

Audience Q&A is encouraged. 

Registration is encouraged and available on CampusGroups.

Event details

Critical Conversation #1: The Role of Universities and Critical Conversations 

Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 4 to 5 p.m. 
Tinkham Veale University Center, Ballroom C

Panelists: 

  • Jessica Berg, dean and the Tom J.E. and Bette Lou Walker Professor of Law, School of Law
  • Shannon French, director and the Inamori Professor in Ethics, Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence
  • Mark Joseph, the Leona Bevis/Marguerite Haynam Professor in Community Development, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
  • Ken Ledford, associate professor, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of History
  • Naomi Sigg, vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, John Carroll University

Moderator: Ben Vinson III, provost and executive vice president