2002 Robert C. Wood Visiting Professor Leads Civil Rights Forum

By Leigh DuPuy

Mary Frances Berry, chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, led an invigorating discussion on some of the year’s most compelling issues, including homeland defense, economic security, and civil rights, in a crowded University Club on March 13. The McCormack Institute Policy Forum brought Berry to campus as the 2002 Robert C. Wood Visiting Professorship in Public and Urban Affairs at UMass Boston.

“These are really the times that try men’s and women’s souls,” said Berry in her discussion on the state of civil liberties in a political climate characterized by the Enron scandal, anti-terrorist policy agendas, and tax cuts for the wealthy. While praising the efforts of many to defend the civil rights of citizens regardless of race, sexuality, or disability, Berry pointed out these initiatives are thwarted by “unregulated capitalism.” In an impassioned address, Berry advocated questioning the policy agenda and reaching clearer understanding of economics by “calling things by their right names,” especially in regards to a recession. She questioned media labeling, noting, “Despite the buzz, labor is on its back… .”

It is clear from Berry’s address and background that she is a perfect recipient for the Wood Visiting Professorship, which was established four years ago to link scholarly pursuits with practical problems and policies of the larger society. She has received thirty honorary doctoral degrees and numerous awards for her public service and scholarly activities, including the NAACP’s Image Award, the Rosa Parks Ward of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the Hubert Humphrey Award of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights. In addition to her previous and continuing work with Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush, she is currently the Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought and Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania.

Image: Mary Frances Berry lectured at UMass Boston March 13 and 14 as the 2002 Robert C. Wood Visiting Professor. (Photo by Harry Brett)

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