The University of Washington Disability Studies Program presents a public symposium:

Eugenics and Disability: History and Legacy in Washington

Friday, October 9, 2009

9:00 am-3:00 pm

University of Washington Tower Auditorium

4333 Brooklyn Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98195

eu-gen-ics, pronounced: (yōō-jěn'ĭks) –noun (used with a singular verb) the study of or belief in the possibility of improving the qualities of the human species or a human population, esp. by such means as discouraging reproduction by persons having genetic defects or presumed to have inheritable undesirable traits (negative eugenics) or encouraging reproduction by persons presumed to have inheritable desirable traits (positive eugenics). Origin: 1880–85 Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.

In 1909, Washington became the second state to pass a law allowing for the forced sterilization of people with disabilities and other citizens in the name of improving society. Why was eugenics so widely popular during the early 20th century? What is the significance of the hidden and complex history of eugenics in 2009? This one-day symposium will provide a forum for dialogue about Washington’s eugenic past and its present-day implications for the lives of people in our communities. The roundtable format will feature local and national speakers, with ample time for audience discussion.

 

Contact Information

For information about the content of the conference, contact Joanne Woiak, UW Disability Studies Program, (jwoiak@u.washington.edu).

Sponsored by:

• UW Center for Genomics and Healthcare Equality,
• DBTAC Northwest ADA Information Center,
• UW Disability Studies Program,
• UW Office of the Provost,
• Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Supported by these University of Washington programs:

• Boeing Professorship in Computer Science and Engineering,
• Bothell Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences,
• Center for the Study of the Pacific Northwest,
• Center for Technology and Disability Studies,
• Center on Human Development and Disability,
• Comparative History of Ideas Program,
• Department of Genome Sciences,
• Diversity Research Institute,
• Norris and Dorothy Haring Center for Applied Research and Training in Education,
• Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity,
• Program on Values in Society,
• University Libraries,
• Department of Communication.

Disability Accommodations

To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Services Office at: 206.543.6450 (voice), 206.543.6452 (TTY), 206.685.7264 (fax), or via email at dso@u.washington.edu.  The University of Washington makes every effort to honor disability accommodation requests.  Requests can be responded to most effectively if received as far in advance of the event as possible, preferably at least 10 days.