Events / Diversity Week: Jane Elliott Keynote Reception & Presentation

Diversity Week: Jane Elliott Keynote Reception & Presentation

4:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Eric P. Newman Education Center: Auditorium, 320 S Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

This event is open to the public. Registration has closed.
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Jane Elliott: The Anatomy of Prejudice (keynote)

Pre-reception: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Keynote: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The day after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ms. Jane Elliott conducted an exercise that would forever change the lives of her third grade students. The now-famous “Blue eyes–Brown eyes” exercise showed Elliott’s students — and many others to follow — the irrational and arbitrary basis of prejudice. It would later became the subject of the Peabody Award-winning film “The Eye of the Storm.”

During this keynote event, Elliott will discuss the film and explore problems of racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia and ethnocentrism. She will challenge the audience to recognize our own responsibility in illuminating these issues and eliminating them from ourselves and our environment. Those attending will be encouraged to discuss the issues raised as they relate to their own workplace. Attendees will also be encouraged to discuss the materials presented on handouts, which are designed to help people identify their own racist statements, behaviors, and attitudes.

Participants will receive a list of suggested activities which, if implemented, can help them to decrease the amount of racism in their environment, and a list of book which, if read, can provide added insights to the problems of the –isms with which we are all confronted.

Registration for this event has closed.
Watch live on Facebook »

Parking and transportation

Limited parking is available to the public at the Euclid Parking Garage (224 South Euclid Ave.). Parking will be validated for community members.

Public transit options include MetroBus and the Central West End Metrolink Station, which is located at the Washington University Medical Campus.


Diversity Week is an annual event that helps strengthen our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.