Debate: Should Academic DEI Programs Be Abolished?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs are among the most hot-button issues in higher education. With the support of the MIT Free Speech Alliance, on April 4, the Adam Smith Society is hosting an Oxford Union-style debate on the following proposition: “Resolved, that academic DEI programs should be abolished.”

Heather Mac Donald, a Manhattan Institute fellow, and Patanjali (Pat) Kambhampati, a chemistry professor at McGill University, are arguing in favor of the proposition. Pamela Denise Long, a freelance writer and adjunct professor at Southern Illinois University, and Karith Foster, founder of INVERSITYTM Solutions, are arguing against the proposition. Nadine Strossen, professor emerita at New York Law School and former president of the ACLU, is serving as moderator. The debate begins at 7:30 pm ET in Wong Auditorium (E51-115) and will be livestreamed to a national audience. Light refreshments will be served beginning at 6:00 pm in the adjoining foyer.

Neither the Adam Smith Society nor the MIT Free Speech Alliance takes an official position on the debate proposition. Rather, our goal is to provide a model of vigorous yet civil discussion for both the MIT community and the wider public. We hope that you will join us in this endeavor.

Note: Those without a SloanGroups account can register for the debate by selecting the "RSVP (Non-COVID PASS SOs, Guests)" option and creating a first-time user guest account.