Springfield College Hosts Ninth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture

Springfield College hosted a discussion on the politics and implications of the Critical Race Theory as part of the ninth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. The Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture honors the history of inclusion and diversity at Springfield College and is presented by the Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement.

The critical race theory is an academic concept that is more than 40 years old. The core idea is that race is a social construct, and that racism is not merely the product of individual bias or prejudice, but also something embedded in legal systems and policies.

The virtual lecture featured panelists Andrea M. Kane, PhD, professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, and Jonathan Friedman, PhD, director of free expression and education at PEN America.

Kane’s research interests include a practitioner-centered approach to solving problems of practice and addressing critical issues in education. She previously served as the first Black superintendent of schools for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools in Maryland.

At PEN America, Friedman oversees advocacy, analysis, and outreach concerning educational communities and academic institutions. In this role, he drives forward PEN America’s efforts to catalyze a more informed, civic culture through education and advocacy for the rising generation and the general public.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards 

The Springfield College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards recognize students, staff, faculty, and community members who have worked to create a more inclusive space at the institution and/or within the city of Springfield at large. The awards are underwritten by New Valley Bank & Trust.