Nationally recognized ethical theorist Peggy McIntosh, associate director of the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College, will give a talk titled “Waking Up to Privilege Systems: The Surprising Journey into New Ethical Territory” at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 11 in the Wheelwright Auditorium of Coastal Carolina University. The event is free and open to the public.

McIntosh, known for her engaging description of how she came to realize that she had white-skin privilege, will discuss why the benefit is not a matter for blame, shame or guilt. She will discuss the many forms of unearned advantage and disadvantage that members of society possess through no action of their own. McIntosh will also raise the ethical question of whether or not to use the power of that privilege to weaken systems of unearned privilege.

A world-renowned lecturer, McIntosh consults with higher education institutions throughout the United States and the world on creating multicultural and gender-fair curricula. She is founder and co-director of the United States S.E.E.D. Project on Inclusive Curriculum (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity). She is the author of many influential articles on curriculum change, women’s studies and systems of unearned privilege.

The event is sponsored by the University's Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values. The purpose of the center is to cultivate and promote awareness in the community of the importance of personal and professional integrity. For more information, contact the center director, Claudia McCollough, at 843-349-2440.