Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice
The Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice launched in fall 2021 as a new home for innovative and interdisciplinary teaching, research, and public dialogue at Stonehill College.
About the Center
Sponsoring the Hayden Lecture Series, faculty-student research collaborations, readings, performances, and co-curricular events, the Center serves as an interdisciplinary hub that bridges academic experiences and student life. The Center supports faculty and student research that examines how race, ethnicity, and other categories of difference are infused in structures of power. A new major and minor, as well as new general education courses, will integrate the study of race and ethnicity more fully into the curriculum. The Center is located in Room 100 of the Martin Institute for Law and Society.
The Center was conceived by a team of faculty and staff from across the disciplines who offered the proposal as part of the Bold Ideas for Academic Innovation and Excellence initiative. Animated by the desire to diversify Stonehill’s course offerings, to increase retention of students and faculty of color, and to promote a sense of belonging for everyone on campus, the project team envisioned an interdisciplinary Center that could impact every student and bring transformative culture change to the College through academic innovation and co-curricular events. The goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to Stonehill's Catholic identity and inseparable from its commitment to academic excellence.
James E. Hayden Chair for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice
A transformative $2 million gift from Elizabeth Hayden ’76 and her children, Elizabeth and John, allowed the team’s vision to come to fruition with the endowment of the James E. Hayden Chair for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice. Hayden ’76 was tragically killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack that destroyed United Airlines Flight 175. With this gift, the family honors Hayden’s legacy by supporting efforts to understand the roots of racial inequity and by promoting collaborative work toward the creation of compassion, justice, and social change.
Nadia E. Brown, professor of Government at Georgetown University, presented on "The The Politics of Black Women's Appearance." This lecture discussed how the politics of appearance shape Black women’s political ambitions, opportunities and access to political office in the United States.
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The Chair, named in memory of alumnus James E. Hayden ’76, will lead the College’s bold push for a more equitable world through its new Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice.
Contact Information
Stanley I. Thangaraj
The Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice launched in fall 2021 as a new home for innovative and interdisciplinary teaching, research, and public dialogue at Stonehill College.