Education

Johns Hopkins University Gives Away ‘Excellence In Diversity’ Prize Money

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Johns Hopkins University announced Monday it’s giving away tens of thousands of dollars in “Excellence in Diversity” prizes to faculty members.

Lester Spence, a political science and Africana studies professor at Johns Hopkins, will receive a $50,000 Provost’s Prize for Faculty Excellence in Diversity, according to a post on the university’s website.

“Lester Spence, a leading scholar of political science, has long taken his scholarship—so important in recognizing inequality across diverse populations—outside the walls of the university,” said Christopher Celenza, John Hopkins’ vice provost for faculty affairs. “He has helped open Hopkins to the city of Baltimore in a way that is admirable, serving as a challenge to all of us to do better.”

Spence maintains an active Twitter presence where he comments on political and social issues, including President Donald Trump:

four features of the "aspirational fascism"that characterizes the trump administration…..#trumpteachin

— Lester Spence (@LesterSpence) March 29, 2017

1. the endless repetition of lies. designed to give aggrieved constituencies new sources they can blame for their condition. #trumpteachin

— Lester Spence (@LesterSpence) March 29, 2017

2. shockwave politics. they rapidly propose and institute new regressive initiatives in order to shock and awe opposition. #trumpteachin

— Lester Spence (@LesterSpence) March 29, 2017

3. neofascist rhetorical strategy. further consolidates the anger of his constituencies against perceived enemies. #trumpteachin

— Lester Spence (@LesterSpence) March 29, 2017

4. the reichstag temptation. elites have historically used attacks (real and imagined) to push forth horrific policies. #trumpteachin

— Lester Spence (@LesterSpence) March 29, 2017

Celenza also praised Tilak Ratnanather, a biomedical engineering research professor who will receive $10,000 as a runner-up.

Spence and Ratnanather, along with ten other professors, a student group and a campus exhibit, will receive rewards at John Hopkins’ Diversity Recognition Awards Ceremony, hosted by the school’s Diversity Leadership Council.

The Daily Caller News Foundation reached out to Johns Hopkins and Spence for comment, but received none in time for press.

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