Great Lakes Philosophy Conference: "Against the Current: Resistance in an Age of Suppression"

2026 Great Lakes Philosophy Conference  

Against the Current: Resistance in an Age of Suppression 

Dates: April 17-19, 2026 

Location: Virtual, via Microsoft Teams 

Deadline for Submissions: February 1st, 2026 

Notification of Acceptance: February 15th, 2026 

We invite submissions for an upcoming interdisciplinary conference exploring the theme of Resistance. 

Resistance takes many forms; individual, structural, cultural, epistemic, and beyond. In recent years, we have witnessed a resurgence of resistance to resistance: increasing attacks on academic freedom, book bans, the politicization of public education, the undermining of scientific and social consensus, and the erosion of democratic processes. At the same time, we have also seen powerful and creative acts of dissent, disruption, and defiance. 

This conference aims to explore the complexities of resistance; its moral and political dimensions, its philosophical foundations, its practical applications, and its presence across disciplines. We welcome presentations that engage with the idea of resistance from a wide range of perspectives, including (but not limited to): 

• The ethics and aesthetics of resistance 
• Academic freedom, censorship, and public discourse 
• Environmental and energy justice 
• Embodiment, vulnerability, and radical empathy 
• Race, gender, and the politics of refusal 
• Histories of protest and social movements 
• Civil disobedience and nonviolent action 
• Political and ethical theory 
• Resistance in art, literature, media, and public space 
• The epistemology of dissent and silencing 

Interdisciplinary approaches to systems change and disruption 

This year’s keynote speakers, Dr. George Yancy (Emory University) and Dr. Tony Reames (University of Michigan), bring distinct yet complementary insights to our shared exploration of resistance: from the embodied and existential urgency of anti-racist public philosophy, to the pursuit of equity in energy access and environmental policy. 

We welcome proposals from: 

• High school, undergraduate, and graduate students 
• Faculty and independent scholars 
• Practitioners, activists, and community leaders 

Researchers and students from fields such as philosophy, law, political science, history, public policy, environmental studies, religious studies, education, social science, health, the arts, and beyond. 

Individual and joint presentations are welcome; however, each presenter must register separately. We are especially committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually rigorous space for underrepresented voices and perspectives. 

**There will be a prize for the best undergraduate student paper.** 

 
**There will be a prize for the best graduate student paper.** 

**There will be a prize for the high school student paper.** 

To apply, please submit an extended abstract of up to 500 words through the GLPC Abstract Submission Form (linked below). 

Final papers from professionals and graduate students should be suitable for 20-minute presentations, and final papers from undergraduate and high school students should be suitable for 15-minute presentations. All presentations should aim to be accessible and lively as part of constructive, collaborative, welcoming sessions.  

Keynote Speakers: 

Dr. George Yancy, Samuel Dobbs Professor of Philosophy, Emory University 

Dr. Tony G. Reames, Tishman Professor of Environmental Justice, University of Michigan 

The Great Lakes Philosophy Conference is being hosted by the Siena Heights University philosophy department with generous support fromA2Ethics.  

Send any questions about the conference [email protected]. 

Please note that there will be a small registration fee associated with participation in this conference to help cover conference costs.