WCU Celebrates 250th Signing of The Declaration of Independence with a Statewide Gathering of PA’s 10 Frederick Douglass Institutes
West Chester University has a one-of-a-kind link to our nation’s founding principles
of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness… Famed abolitionist, orator, and statesman Frederick Douglass, who once had been enslaved but continued to have faith in the
promise of independence and equality for all, delivered his last public lecture on
West Chester University’s (WCU) campus on February 1, 1895, just days before his death.
At a time when America readies to celebrate its 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, West Chester University’s
Frederick Douglass Institute (FDI) will lead its 9 sister institutes from throughout
the Commonwealth in a two-day examination of social justice at the FDI PASSHE (Pennsylvania’s
State System of Higher Education) Collaborative Conference and Debate Tournament on
March 31 and April 1 at WCU’s Sykes Student Union, 110 West Rosedale Avenue in West
Chester. The event is open to the public free of charge, and registration details are available on the Frederick Douglass Institute Homepage.
Over the course of two days, more than 200 students, faculty scholars, staff, members of the community, and guests from throughout Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and beyond will gather on WCU’s campus to participate in a series of enlightening discussions.
“The conference and debate tournament are for everyone’s participation,” said Dr. Christian Awuyah, professor of English and director of WCU’s Frederick Douglass Institute (FDI). “The impactful two days have been organized to foster intellectual growth, collaborative learning, and meaningful discourse grounded in the enduring legacy of Frederick Douglass.”
New York Times Bestselling Author to Open Discussion about “America at 250” on March 31
Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr., acclaimed New York Times bestselling author and James S. McDonnell Distinguished Professor at Princeton University, will launch the thought-provoking event with a discussion entitled “America at 250: Truth, Justice, and the Reckoning We Owe” on March 31, from 9:15-10:15 a.m., in Sykes Student Union. Glaude’s remarks will provide a timely and insightful reflection on the nation’s past, present, and future.
Workshops and panels exploring civil rights will follow from 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. and 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
PASSHE Frederick Douglass Collaborative [Student] Debate Tournament on April 1
Starting at 9 a.m. on April 1 in Sykes Student Union and representing six universities, 25 students will engage in competitive, judged debate as they use Douglass’ oratorical inspiration to argue for or against the following proposition: “The Commonwealth of PA should end all vaccine mandates.” After four preliminary rounds, teams with the best win/loss record will advance to semi-finals followed by the finals. The championship round will conclude the competition. Students will compete from the following universities: Commonwealth – Bloomsburg, Cheyney, East Stroudsburg, Lincoln, Slippery Rock, and West Chester.
“The debate is a powerful tool by which students research a topic and articulate a position,” said Dr. John Craig, director of WCU’s Academic Success Program/ACT 101 and professor of interdisciplinary studies and academic support programs, who is organizing the conference and debate with Dr. Awuyah and Dr. Francis Atuahene, professor and chair of the Department of Public Policy.
“It is important to note that the debate topic is not an endorsement for or a criticism against mandating vaccines,” added Craig. “The expected outcomes are that the students’ critical and analytical skills will be honed, as well as their ability to clearly articulate a position. As scholars, we believe that it is our duty to ensure that students are taught how to be responsible consumers of information and not merely passive in their consumption of information.”
The event promises to be both relevant and inspiring. “We encourage all those interested to attend and participate in this enriching academic experience,” said Dr. Atuahene. “Your presence will contribute to the vibrant exchange of ideas and will help support a shared commitment to academic excellence and civic engagement.”