TU’s Diversity Speaker Series to host Daily Show’s Hasan Minhaj

By Kyle Hobstetter on September 17, 2017

Each semester, Towson University and the Division of Student Affairs partner for the Diversity Speaker Series, which brings a one-of-a-kind speaker to campus to discuss social issues facing the TU community.   

While these issues are usually serious in tone, this fall’s Diversity Speaker Series is a light-hearted approach by featuring comedian and “The Daily Show” correspondent Hasan Minhaj.

The event takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at SECU Arena. Admission is free; doors open at 6 p.m. for those with a OneCard and 6:30 p.m. for general admission.

Along with his role as a correspondent on the Emmy- and Peabody-Award-winning television show, Minhaj released the  critically acclaimed Netflix comedy special “Homecoming King” earlier this year.

He’s also been featured in multiple publications, including The Huffington Post, Gawker and The New York Times, and hosted the 2017 White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

When looking for a speaker for this semester’s event, the Division of Student Affairs was looking for something different than past years. And with conversations about identity, race, immigration and religion being difficulty for some people to discuss, Student Affairs thought going the comedic route would be perfect.

“Comedy has long been used to break down barriers to help people delve deeper and be more open to intercultural understanding,” said Joel Bolling, senior director of student diversity and development. “Hasan Minhaj brings a comedic lens to some of the most challenging social issues of our time and provokes us to examine our role as global citizens.” 

The Diversity Speaker Series is on of Towson University’s signature events each semester. Working with other departments on campus, the Division of Student Affairs brings culturally relevant speakers, educators, activists and entertainers to campus, giving the community access to some of the world’s most influential minds. 

The series is an opportunity to give the community a unique experience that focuses on issues that are important to its members.

“The Diversity Speaker Series provides an opportunity for the larger Towson University community to engage with high-profile issues impacting our world,” Bolling said. “We hope that Hasan Minhaj will challenge us to explore complex issues and strategic ways to create a more socially just society.”