The cancellation of the 2026 Berkshire Conference on the History of Women, Genders and Sexualities, known as Big Berks, highlights the troubling climate for gender and sexuality studies in academia. Citing political pressure, the Board of Trustees announced the cancellation, revealing difficulties in securing a host university. Scholars criticized the administration's impact on academic freedom and diversity efforts. Following the announcement, it was clarified that Northwestern University had never officially agreed to host the conference, adding to the confusion about leadership changes within the organizing group. The event, set to draw 2,000 attendees, has been a significant platform since its inception in 1973.
The cancellation of the Berkshire Conference underscores the profound impact of political pressure on academic institutions, illustrating the current environment's threat to gender and sexuality studies.
Prospective attendees of the 2026 Berkshire Conference received an email stating increased political pressure has made it difficult to find a university willing to host the event.
Collection
[
|
...
]