Speaking to a packed room on the Whittier College campus, 2018 Feinberg Lecture speaker Joanna Mendelson captivated the audience with her expert knowledge on hate groups and the normalization of bigotry and hatred in recent years.
Mendelson, the senior investigative researcher and director of special projects for the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Center on Extremism, addressed issues including the recent public reemergence of far-right extremist groups, the astonishing increase in hate activity from 2016-2017, and an in-depth examination of white supremacist ideology and tactics—especially within the Alt-Right movement.
Students and other audience members added to the conversation during a lively Q&A session with Mendelson.
In her role with the ADL, Mendelson provides expertise, analysis, and training that enable law enforcement, public officials, and community leaders to identify and counter emerging extremist threats.
Mendelson concluded her remarks speaking to the students directly, encouraging them to educate themselves, stay informed and involved, and take action against injustices. “It is up to you guys—as future leaders—to make sure the hatred does not go unanswered,” she said.
The Feinberg Lecture Series is made possible through an endowment established by the late Sheldon Feinberg, a former trustee of Whittier College, and his wife, Betty, in order to invite major scholars to the College to discuss broad historic, religious, and political issues encompassed by Judaism and its role in a changing world.