Adrian Harewood
On EDI, Resistance and Resilience in An Age of Hostility & Rage, and the Role of the University
This speech makes the case for EDI within the context of the university as part of the long historical struggle to create a more just, inclusive and humane world. It suggests the role of the university is to promote thinking and dialogue, affirm the value of the examined life and questioning, and champion the pursuit of truth and academic freedom. It argues that the university ought to promote a pedagogy of care that seeks not to indoctrinate students, but to open their critical minds; a pedagogy that values compassion, acts with empathy, and demands accountability; a pedagogy that encourages its students to become civic leaders, stewards of the Earth and agents of change. EDI is presented as a critical part of creating the university of our dreams.