The Midland University Speaker Series is designed to provide the Midland and Fremont community with thoughtful and meaningful discussions on important diversity, equity, privilege and inclusion topics to promote thinking and personal & institutional application.

Rev. Dr. Guy Nave is professor of religion at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, focusing on the topics of Christianity, the New Testament, and race. He received his Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. in New Testament studies from Yale University. He also blogs for Luther College's Ideas and Creations page as well as the website Clamoring for Change.

The racial and ethnic makeup of the United States has changed significantly since the country’s founding. Currently, more than 50 percent of students in public K-12 schools are global majority students (aka "students of color"). For the first time in the history of our nation, there are more children who are minorities than who are white at every age from zero to nine. This means we are on the cusp of seeing America's first minority white generation (born in 2007 and later). As we enter into this racially diverse reality, it is crucial that we not only understand the importance of promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity but that we also understand what diversity, inclusion, and equity actually mean. While these three words are often used interchangeably, they are not synonymous. The goal of this presentation is to inform our important work of building bridges into the future by providing vital and necessary definitions.

Please see the schedule below for additional speakers and dates. These events are free and open to the public.