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Frederic W. Ness Book Award Session

Friday, January 23, 2026
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM East Coast USA Time
Location: Howard University - Level M1

    Moderator(s)

  • Kathleen Woodward

    Lockwood Professor in the Humanities and Professor of English
    University of Washington, Seattle
    Seattle, Washington, United States

    PDF

    • Co-Presenter(s)

  • Valerie Johnson

    Associate Provost for DEI; Professor, Political Science; Endowed Professor of Urban Diplomacy, Grace School of Applied Diplomacy
    DePaul University

  • Jennifer Ruth

    Professor, School of Film
    Portland State University

  • Ellen Schrecker

    Professor Emerita of American History
    Yeshiva University

The Frederic W. Ness Book Award is given annually to the book that best illuminates the goals and practices of a contemporary liberal education. Join this year's winners to discuss their book, The Right to Learn: Resisting the Right-Wing Attack on Academic Freedom.

The Right to Learn is an anthology that examines challenges to academic freedom in the United States over the past four decades, with a focus on recent debates over issues such as critical race theory and restrictions on classroom discussions of gender and sexuality. Through contributions from activists, scholars, and legal experts, the book situates these conflicts within broader political and cultural trends. Organized in three parts, it provides context, analysis, and practical insights for educators and others concerned with the role of higher education in a democratic society.

The Right to Learn will be available for purchase throughout the meeting at the Registration Desk on Level M1. The editors will be available for a book signing immediately following this session on the M1 Foyer - outside the room.