Clark observes 20 years of Holocaust education
Commemoration includes lectures, notes expansion of academic footprint
The history of genocide, mass atrocities, crimes against humanity and their continuing consequences stand at the core of the Strassler Center at Clark University. Home to a uniquely rich undergraduate program and a landmark doctoral program, the Strassler Center is the first and only institute of its kind. Since 1998, it has gained international standing as the foremost PhD program training students in Holocaust History, the Armenian Genocide, and other genocides perpetrated around the globe. Center faculty and students foster important scholarship and germinate significant ideas as conveners of a robust series of international symposia, workshops, and conferences that broaden the boundaries of genocide studies by introducing less known cases and novel approaches. The causes, conduct, and consequences of genocide are complex and require multifaceted approaches. The Strassler Center is committed to pushing boundaries in order to foster greater knowledge as well as to train professionals who hope to find solutions, offer healing and aid, education, and opportunities for memorialization.
We are deeply disturbed by the latest developments in the case against Holocaust scholars Professors Barbara Engelking and Jan Grabowski. Yesterday, a Polish court found them guilty of libel and ordered them to issue a public apology for a passage that appeared in their book, Night without End. This is a dangerous precedent that has rightly garnered the attention of a range of academic institutions including the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Yad Vashem, the AHA (American Historical Association), and others.
We wish to add our voices to the chorus of concern for the future of independent scholarship, academic freedom, and open inquiry. Scholarship is based upon principles that hold true around the globe. There is no place for government intervention or court intrusion into solid efforts to investigate and write about historical events. We decry any politicization and uphold the rigorous process of scholarly review that is essential to academic publication. As scholars and leaders in the field of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, we recognize that our work is uniquely vulnerable to such intervention.
Book burning, censorship, intimidation of scholars and artists are well-known elements of Nazism. The case against Professors Engelking and Grabowski is reminiscent of such crimes and invites those who would deny or downplay the Holocaust and other genocides. This verdict deserves the condemnation of citizens and governments worldwide.
Taner Akçam, Robert Aram and Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar Professor in Armenian Genocide Studies
Thomas Kühne, Strassler Colin Flug Professor of Holocaust History and Director of the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Ken MacLean, Associate Professor of International Development and Social Change
Mary Jane Rein, Executive Director of the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Frances Tanzer, Rose Professor of Holocaust Studies and Modern Jewish History and Culture
Director, Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies; Strassler Colin Flug Chair in the Study of Holocaust History; Professor, Department of History
Robert Aram and Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar Chair in Armenian Genocide Studies; Professor, Department of History
Associate Professor, Department of International Development, Community, and Environment; Director of Asian Studies
Rose Professor of Holocaust Studies and Modern Jewish History and Culture; Assistant Professor, Department of History
Thomas Kühne and Mary Jane Rein announce the publication of their co-edited volume of essays honoring Professor Debórah Dwork. Contributions by Strassler Center alumni recognize the scholarly achievements of their mentor and doctoral advisor.
A comprehensive report on the activities of the Strassler Center.
The Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies is hiring two Assistant Visiting Professors to begin academic year 2021-2022.
Take a closer look and learn more about our growing Rose Library and the newest edition, the Colin Flug Graduate Study Wing.
Commemoration includes lectures, notes expansion of academic footprint
Stipends support student work in France and Bosnia
Event celebrates wing, 20 years of doctoral education at Strassler Center
Historian: Ottoman leaders ‘spoke openly’ of how to exterminate population