Messages from the President

April 15, 2025
Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II to Deliver Antioch College Commencement Address

I am honored to announce that Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II will serve as the 2025 Commencement Speaker for Antioch College this June.

A pastor, moral leader, and architect of the contemporary Poor People’s Campaign, Reverend Barber is one of the most powerful voices for justice and democracy in America today. He is nationally recognized for his work to revive the heart of democracy through grassroots organizing, courageous truth-telling, and a deep moral commitment to the dignity of every person.

Reverend Barber is President and Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, and the founding Director of the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale Divinity School. A MacArthur “Genius” Fellow and recipient of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Award, he has spent decades building multi-racial coalitions across lines of faith, race, and class.

He has been called “the closest person we have to Martin Luther King Jr. today” and is renowned not only for his fierce commitment to justice but also for his radical compassion. From rural North Carolina to the steps of the U.S. Capitol, his ministry has centered the lives of those too often left at the margins—poor and working people, immigrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, and so many others who struggle under unjust systems.

At Antioch College—a place with a legacy of moral courage and progressive action—Reverend Barber’s presence will be both a celebration and a call to continue the work. His words will inspire graduates and all of us to move forward with love, clarity, and determination in these difficult times.

Commencement will take place on June 21 at 10:00 am in the Foundry at Antioch College. We will share additional details about the ceremony in the coming weeks.

Please join me in welcoming Reverend Barber to Antioch, as we prepare to honor the Class of 2025 and reflect together on the work still ahead.

6 March 13, 2025
Statement on Antioch College’s commitment to JEDI

Antioch College stands firm in its commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. In times of uncertainty and change, these values are not merely aspirations; they are the foundation of who we are and the principles that guide our path forward. While the world around us shifts in unpredictable ways, our dedication remains unwavering—we will continue to foster a community of belonging, purpose, and action.

Antioch College’s mission has always been to educate and empower individuals to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and social responsibility. This mission calls us to act, and Antioch is responsible for anchoring its work to these guiding principles. Since our founding in 1850, we have been a beacon of progressive education rooted in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to these core principles, which are central to our identity and essential to the future we seek to build.

Efforts to undermine justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion only strengthen our resolve. Rather than slowing our progress, they reaffirm the urgency of our mission and deepen our commitment to these values. We will continue to equip our students, faculty, and staff with the tools and support they need to thrive.

Antioch’s history is a testament to the power of bold action and unwavering commitment to justice. We were one of the first colleges in the nation to admit women and Black students on an equal basis with white men, breaking barriers in higher education long before our country widely accepted these practices. During the Civil Rights Movement, Antioch students and faculty actively participated in freedom rides and voter registration drives, standing in solidarity with those fighting for racial justice. In the 1990s, Antioch became a national leader by adopting one of the first college sexual offense prevention policies, affirming the importance of consent and respect. Our educational model, grounded in experiential learning and community engagement, has consistently challenged students to think critically, act courageously, and contribute meaningfully to society. These milestones remind us that our commitment to equity, inclusion, and social responsibility is not new—it is the foundation upon which Horace Mann built Antioch.

Today’s Antioch students reflect the diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives that make up our society, enriching our campus community in countless ways. They come from urban centers and rural towns, from every region of the country, and a wide array of cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. They bring with them unique perspectives and voices that deepen our collective understanding of the world.

At Antioch, diversity is not just a fact but a value that strengthens our community and prepares our students to thrive in a global society. Equity and inclusion are not abstract ideals; they are lived practices that require intentionality, accountability, and courage. We are committed to creating an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued and where all have the opportunity to succeed. Our students are not passive learners but active participants in shaping their education and the world around them. They think critically, engage deeply, and challenge the status quo. Our responsibility is to provide them with the tools, resources, access, and support they need to realize their full potential.

Antioch College remains committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as we look to the future. We will continue to foster a community where we celebrate differences, encourage dialogue, and take meaningful action to address systemic inequities. We will honor our history by building a future that reflects our values.

To our students: You are the heart of Antioch College. Your voices matter, your experiences matter, and your dreams matter. Together, we will continue to build a community that embodies the world we strive for—one where justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are not just ideals, but lived realities.