Promoting Our European Way of Life: EU Anti-Discrimination Policy Examined

2026-07-22

The focus of this Jean Monnet (JM) Chair grant proposal is to promote research, publications and course development on EU anti-discrimination policy (both on- and off-line) related to: antisemitism, Muslim-hate, gender discrimination, Roma exclusion, LGBTI rights, and racism. Anti-discrimination is a cornerstone of a democratic society and promotes inclusion and greater cultural understanding. Diversity has become a focus in the EU and the US, but most US students and academics are not aware of what is being done in the EU to address similar issues, and the challenges within a European Union context. Learning about the EU's role and policies in anti-discrimination will help students understand common EU values, principles of unity and diversity, Europe's historical heritage and the extent to which Europe is a diverse society. EU scholars and students will also learn the unique role the EU has increasingly played in addressing anti-discrimination. The grant also intends to bridge the gap between academics and practitioners. The JM Chair will conduct research, present at conferences, and publish a book on EU antisemitism policy, one focus of EU anti-discrimination policy. Also, a workshop will be organized to bring together scholars and practitioners working in various kinds of EU anti-discrimination policy. The curriculum development and teaching portion of the grant will incorporate general EU and EU anti-discrimination policy content, reaching approximately 400 students, within 10 select courses across four disciplines: Political Science, Economics, Religion, and History; and across four interdisciplinary programs: European, Jewish, Women's, and LGBTQ+ Studies. In addition, a new special topics course on crises and the EU will be taught in the Honors College, which attracts students from across campus. Student focused experiential learning as well as invited on-campus speaking engagements will also supplement the curricular and research aspects of the grant.

United States of America (USA)

2025-10-15