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Distinguished Speaker Lecture: Masih Alinejad

April 3, 2023 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Iranian-American journalist, author, and women’s rights activist Masih Alinejad is scheduled to speak at Colorado State University on Monday, April 3, 2023. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Talk to begin at 5:30 p.m.  

 Recently named one of 12 women featured in Time’s 2023 Women of the Year list, Alinejad was recognized for her significant global impact in activism and as a leader using her voice to fight for equality worldwide. Many women honored on the list face immense challenges that inspired them to push for change.  

 Alinejad is one of the pre-eminent voices of resistance against the Iranian regime. She has made waves on social media by protesting against the compulsory hijab, recording videos removing her own hijab, and spurring millions of her followers to do the same.  

 The “My Stealthy Freedom” campaign against compulsory hijab, began when she posted a picture of herself on Facebook running freely in the streets of London with her iconic billowing curls and a glowing smile. Little did she know, Alinejad would resonate with hundreds of women in Iran who wished to feel the freedom to have their hair in the wind.  

 In Iran, women who appear in public without a hijab risk being arrested, imprisoned, and fined. On the record as not being opposed to the hijab per se, Alinejad believes it should be a matter of personal choice and is a strong advocate for that choice and other civil liberties.    

 Her courage to use her voice against this oppressive regime hasn’t been without its costs; Masih now lives in exile in New York and has had several targeted threats against her. Her bravery in continuing to speak out has made her a beacon of inspiration in the fight for freedom.  

 “My weapon is my voice,” said Alinejad in an interview with MSNBC in January 2023. The New York Times describes Alinejad as “The woman whose hair frightens Iran.” She used her life experiences to write a bestselling, widely acclaimed memoir, The Wind in My Hair. In it, she shares her extraordinary story about living in exile, leaving her country, challenging tradition, and sparking impactful change.  

 The lecture with Alinejad is free and open to the public. Tickets are required for entry at csutix.com 

 Several security measures will be implemented at this event to ensure safety for all.  

 Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: 

  • Any bag of any size, including purses, briefcases, fanny packs, cinch bags, or luggage of any kind 
  • Coolers 
  • Seatbacks 
  • Computer bags and camera bags 

 Metal Detectors
Metal detectors will be in effect at all entrances. Alternative accommodations for screening will be provided to those who need them. Guests who refuse to screen will be denied entry. The metal detectors will be used by venue staff to detect security threats and prevent banned items from entering the facility. 

 This lecture will also available online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK5Vw8BzzzY 

 The ACT Human Rights Film Festival will also show Masih’s film, ‘Be My Voice’ on Sunday, April 2 at the Lyric located at 1209 N. College Avenue in Fort Collins. Tickets are available at a discounted rate for CSU students, faculty and staff. ACT Human Rights Film Festival screens artistically excellent films from around the world and fosters conversations about social justice and human rights. Its mission is to (A)waken audiences to issues happening around the world, (C)onnect them to our film guests and each other in thoughtful conversations, and (T)ransform the ways in which audiences engage with people, communities, cultures, and ideas.  

 The following organizations are proud to partner in this timely conversation: Asian Pacific American Cultural Center, Office for Inclusive ExcellenceOffice of International ProgramsASCSU, Ethnic Studies, Libraries, Journalism and Media Communication, University Marketing and Communications, Women and Gender Advocacy Center.

Image Description: Light grey background with crumpled paper texture, with large portrait of Masih Alinejad centered and a yellow rectangle behind her. Masih is wearing a white plumeria flower in her voluminous curly hair. Below the portrait of Masih there is a black text and teal graphics. At the bottom of the image there is a teal rectangle that contains white logos for The Office of Inclusive Excellence, The Asian Pacific American Cultural Center, and the Office of International Programs.

Alternate text: Masih Alinejad; The woman whose hair frightens Iran- New York Times; LSC Grand Ballroom; APR 3 or Live stream at: Col.st/F8NQA; Doors: 4:30 PM, Speech: 5:30 PM; Free ticketed event, reserve tickets in advance at csutix.com; High Security event, expect metal detectors; No bags allowed; Hosted by: The Asian Pacific American Cultural Center, The Office of Inclusive Excellence, and the Office of International Programs; In collaboration with: ASCSU, Ethnic Studies, Libraries, Journalism and Media Communication, University Marketing and Communications, Women and Gender Advocacy Center.

Details

Date:
April 3, 2023
Time:
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Venue

Lory Student Center