Say Goodbye to DEI? Critical Scholars Meet the Moment

A seminar jointly organised by the Centre for Work, Organization and Society (University of Essex) and ReWOrk (University of Verona).

In concept and practice, academic capitalism has been with us for over 30 years. By comparison, the “anti-woke” campaign to eradicate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes may seem like a minor craze, sure to pass.

This seminar explores the relationship between these developments and suggests new ways to proceed. Far from trivial or temporary, the anti-DEI movement is a flagrant assertion of ‘rightful’ supremacy that gravely escalates the ongoing neoliberal assault on academic freedom. It will explore how critical scholars can orient toward these troubled times as an opportunity to rethink, not simply repeat, our core commitments and practices.