Combating Hate
Enhancing anti-hate awareness through a semester of educational opportunities.
Hosted by the Office of the Vice Provost for Community Engagement, Development and Compliance, this multi-event series, part of Carnegie Mellon University’s Deeper Conversations initiative, aims to offer strategic, meaningful and transformative interactive educational programming for staff, faculty and students in several modalities to build knowledge, empathy and awareness.
Past Events
The Face of Xenophobia
This presentation examined xenophobia across various forms, including Islamophobia, anti-Asian hate, anti-Black racism and anti-immigrant prejudice. Susan Baida, Executive Director, Center for Applied Research on Targeted Violence, and Mark D’Angelo, Community Engagement and Development Specialist, CMU, explored its historical roots, social impact and the personal narratives behind this destructive force. By analyzing the cultural and political factors driving xenophobia, they discussed strategies to challenge these prejudices and foster inclusivity. The session highlighted the human cost of exclusion while advocating for empathy, dialogue and meaningful change.
The State of Hate: What Does the Data Say?
January 29, 2025
This session examined recent data on hate-driven behavior targeting marginalized groups, highlighting trends and the real-world impacts of prejudice. Dr. Wanda Heading-Grant,v ice provost for community engagement, development and compliance, and Melissa Baker, assistant vice provost, Institutional Research and Analysis, analyzed statistics and case studies to illustrate the prevalence and consequences of prejudice. Participants learned strategies to create safer, more inclusive environments and how to actively oppose hate while supporting those affected.
Everyday Ableism
November 13, 2024
Amanda Kraus, Associate Professor of Practice, Educational Policy Studies and Practice; Assistant Vice President for Campus Life; and Executive Director for Disability Resources and Chief Accessibility Officer, University of Arizona explored how ableism appears in daily interactions and through systemic barriers, from subtle biases to broader societal challenges. Renowned disability scholar and CMU alumnus Dr. Amanda Kraus examined the impact of ableism on individuals and communities to raise awareness and foster understanding. Participants learned to recognize and challenge ableist attitudes and practices to foster inclusivity and accessibility. The session also emphasized the importance of allyship and individual advocacy for the rights, dignity and inclusion of people with disabilities.
The Great Replacement Theory
October 29, 2024
Kathleen Blee, Distinguished Professor, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Department of Sociology, University of Pittsburgh examined the Great Replacement Theory, an antisemitic ideology that has incited global hatred and violence. Professor Blee will explored its origins, spread and intersections with other forms of bigotry. The presentation aimed to highlight the dangers of this belief system and encouraged collective action against it, emphasizing unity against hate and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
Addressing Campus Islamophobia: Proactive Efforts to Address Hate and Bias, a Workshop with Amer F. Ahmed
February 19, 2024
Amer F. Ahmed, vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion and senior diversity officer at the University of Vermont and faculty in its Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration program hosted this workshop that educated and updated participants on the current realities related to Islamophobia and challenged participants to develop practical steps that can be made on their respective campuses to address the issue.
Islamophobia: Dispelling Myths to Break Down Barriers with Keynote Speaker Amer F. Ahmed
February 19, 2024
Amer F. Ahmed, vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion and senior diversity officer at the University of Vermont and Faculty in its Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration program, hosted this program that benefited participants interested in learning more about Islam and Islamophobia, and provided needed context to bridge divides.
Antiracism in Action Workshop
February 13, 2024
Dr. Wanda Heading-Grant, vice provost for community engagement, development and compliance, and Mark D’Angelo, community engagement and development specialist, held an engaging and interactive workshop exploring what it means to be antiracist. Participants learned concepts, skills and strategies to help translate antiracist beliefs and sentiments into action-oriented antiracist allyship within their spheres of influence.
Understanding Antisemitism and its Impact on Jews
January 30 and 31, 2024
This event featured two identical sessions with Noah Schoen, community outreach associate at the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, discussing the historical roots of antisemitism, the connection those roots have to its modern day manifestations, and the collective impact that generations of antisemitism has had on the Jewish community.
Educating and Empowering Communities Against Antisemitism
November 14, 2023
This event featured a thought-provoking and compelling presentation by Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, who shared reflections on his experience as a survivor of the synagogue hostage crisis at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas in January 2022. Honoring the lives lost due to hatred, Rabbi Cytron-Walker provided insights on combating antisemitism through education and empowerment. We explored actionable strategies for creating a more inclusive and unified society and discovered how we can take on the collective responsibility of eradicating hate and prejudice, paving the way for a brighter and more harmonious future for all.