#United States #Washington DC #academic freedom #ASMEA #Dr. E. Gordon Gee

Scholars Gather in Washington DC for ASMEA Conference

The upcoming 18th Annual Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa (ASMEA) Conference is set to witness a passionately engaged group of more than 400 professors, scholars, students, and experts in Washington, DC from November 1-3, 2025. This important gathering aims to focus on a pressing issue currently impacting academia: the rising occurrences of antisemitism on college campuses.

Amidst changing political landscapes and societal challenges, this conference emerges as a beacon of hope and a significant platform to delve into effective strategies to combat bias and foster open intellectual debates. Notably, the event arrives at a pivotal time, coinciding with the recent release of hostages and the potential for a ceasefire in the Middle East, opening doors for dialogue that is often absent in today’s educational discourse.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. E. Gordon Gee

The conference boasts a prominent keynote address by Dr. E. Gordon Gee, the President Emeritus of West Virginia University. With a career spanning over 45 years in higher education and a reputation as one of the nation’s leading university presidents, Dr. Gee emphasizes the necessity for universities to engage in constructive conversations that prioritize both academic freedom and safety for students and faculty. He has held esteemed positions at several prestigious institutions, including Brown University and The Ohio State University.

During his keynote, Dr. Gee intends to share insights on the transformative changes in university environments and the pressing need for academic responsibility to parallel the fight for academic freedom. He insists that it is essential for educational institutions to reevaluate their policies to ensure they adequately protect both the academic freedom of expression and the safety of their communities.

“The time has come to have honest and sometimes difficult, but ultimately constructive, conversations around how we keep students and faculty safe while ensuring open debate,” Dr. Gee commented, highlighting the importance of this dialogue.

A Comprehensive Program

Beyond Dr. Gee's keynote, the ASMEA Conference includes a mix of panels, discussions, and presentations designed to enrich the discourse surrounding Middle Eastern and African studies. Key topics will include:

• - The prevalence of antisemitism and its effects on academic freedom.
• - Strategies colleges and universities can employ to ensure a safe learning environment for all students.
• - Discussions moderated by various experts, including David Schenker, former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, and others from top universities around the country.

In addition, attendees can look forward to over 100 presentations concerning critical topics in African and Middle Eastern studies. Highlights include a book discussion featuring Dr. Donna Robinson Divine's forthcoming work, “October 7 The Wars Over Words and Deeds,” and a dedicated antisemitism panel moderated by a correspondent for the Jewish Insider. A film screening and a Student Poster Competition will also add to the richness of the event.

Registration Information

The conference is set to take place at the Washington Georgetown Marriott Hotel, where an array of esteemed scholars will gather from more than 30 countries, including Afghanistan, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the international significance of the topics being discussed. The registration fee is set at $195 for ASMEA members, $145 for students, and $350 for non-members, making it accessible for a diverse group of attendees.

ASMEA's Role

The Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa is committed to the enhancement of research and teaching standards within the fields of Middle Eastern and African studies. By providing a forum for discourse and publishing opportunities, ASMEA serves as a vital resource for scholars striving to contribute thoughtfully to these interconnected areas of study.

In an era marked by evolving challenges in academia, the forthcoming ASMEA Conference stands as a crucial gathering, not only for addressing urgent topics but also for inspiring leaders to foster environments where freedom of thought and safety coexist. The participation of scholars like Dr. Gee underscores the commitment to advancing meaningful conversations that can lead to positive changes within academic institutions worldwide. This event not only highlights the importance of academic freedom but also revitalizes the call to action for educators and institutions to uphold values that benefit the entire academic community.