Racial and Ethnic Diversity

Mission Statement

As stated in the minutes of the 1999 SPEP business meeting, the year in which the committee was proposed, the aim of the Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity is to facilitate within SPEP the representation of philosophers who are African-American, Latino/a, Asian-American, and Native American. The Committee will assess and report on the status of these constituencies in Continental Philosophy, identify discriminatory practices, and make recommendations to the Executive Committee concerning ways in which full and meaningful equality of opportunity can be provided to all.

In addition, every year the Committee organizes a panel pertaining philosophical issues in light of Multi-cultural or non-Western philosophies/perspectives.

Please send comments/suggestions/questions/nominations to the committee chair.

Current Members (2024-2025)
(As of November 2024)

  • Chair: Al Frankowski, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (2022-2025)
  • Vice-Chair: Cynthia Paccacerqua, University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley (appointed 2023)
  • George Fourlas, Hampshire College (appointed 2023)
  • Jorge Montiel, Marquette University (appointed 2023)
  • Sanjula Rajat, University of Oregon (Graduate Student Representative)

Previous Members

  • Esme G. Murdock, San Diego State University (2019-2022)
  • Natalie Cisneros, Seattle University (2018-2022)
  • Sandra Harvey, University of California, Irvine (2017-2021)
  • Elena Ruiz, Michigan State University (2016-2019)
  • Surya Parekh, Binghamton (2015-2018)
  • Camisha Russell, UC-Irvine (2014-2017)
  • Dilek Huseyinzadegan, Emory University (2013-2016)
  • Kris Sealey, Fairfield University (2012-2015)
  • Devonya Havis, Canisius College (2011-2014)
  • Hernando Estévez, John Jay College CUNY (2010-2013)
  • Falguni Sheth, Hampshire College (2009-2012)
  • Kathryn Gines, The Pennsylvania State University (2008-2011)
  • Alia Al-Saji (2007-2010)
  • Namita Goswami, DePaul University (2006-2009)
  • Olufemi Taiwo (2005-2008 )
  • Donna-Dale Marcano (2004-2007)
  • Alejandro Vallega (2004-2006)
  • Yoko Arisaka (2003-2005)
  • Mariana Ortega (2002-2004)
  • Constance Mui (2002-2004)
  • Lucius Outlaw (2000-2001)
  • Linda Martín Alcoff (2000-2001)
  • Eduardo Mendieta (2000-2002)