Sharon Wright Austin, professor of political science at the University of Florida, will present “The Backlash Against Black Studies.”

Attacks on Black studies at all levels of the educational system have increased as of late. The spat over AP courses in Florida has garnered national publicity, but the problem is hardly confined to a single level of the educational system (high schools) or a single state. This forum is an opportunity to lay out the key issues and to discuss ways of responding to the assault.

Sharon’s research focuses on African American women’s political behavior, African American mayoral elections, rural African American political activism, and African American political behavior.