Protests against structural racism, social exclusion, and police brutality in the US and across the world crystalize in the toppling of public monuments which are seen as emblems of historical injustices. These demonstrations publicly reject narratives that seek to legitimize historical injustices and show that the issue at stake is the enframing of the representation of the past, the relevance of cultural heritage in shaping today’s social and power relations, and the way forward. In short, the struggle is about who is writing history, telling the story, and safeguarding public memory. As professionals in the field of education abroad, we expect students to be able to navigate the liminal spaces between different cultures and identities with respect, develop intercultural proficiency, and demonstrate awareness of the systemic processes that reproduce inequality and social exclusion.

This community discussion panel seeks to generate reflection on the current debate about the moral and political responsibilities of past injustices such as slavery and colonialism and how this can help prepare the student for a productive study abroad experience.

Presenters:

• Catherine Clark, Director of Study Abroad/Associate Professor of French and English – Averett University
• Said Graiouid, Dean of Faculty – SIT
• Jean Moore, Coordinator, Office of Education Abroad – California Lutheran University