Does Justice Have an Expiration Date? Public Invited to Find Out at Russell Jacobs Lecture Sept. 24

Topeka, Kan. - The Washburn University Philosophy & Religious Studies Department will host the annual Russell Jacobs Lecture at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, in Washburn A in the Memorial Union on the Washburn campus. Dr. Christopher Heath "Kit" Wellman will present "Does Injustice Have a Half-Life? A Philosophical Study on Reparations." The event is free and open to the public. A Q&A and reception will follow. RSVPs are appreciated through washburncas.eventbrite.com.

About the Lecture

Dr. Wellman will examine and respond to the idea that the effects of historical injustice may diminish over time. Drawing on examples including slavery and the forced removal of the Cherokee, he will consider whether rights to reparations or restitution persist across generations and explore philosopher Jeremy Waldron's influential work on how moral rights can change over time.

About Dr. Kit Wellman

Dr. Wellman teaches philosophy at Washington University in St. Louis. His work focuses on ethics, with a specialization in political and legal philosophy. His recent book, "Rights and Resistance," was published by Oxford University Press in 2025.

About the Russell Jacobs Lecture in Philosophy

The Russell Jacobs Lecture in Philosophy brings outstanding philosophers to Washburn University to share and discuss their work. Held each fall, the lecture is free and open to the public. Emeritus faculty member Russell Jacobs established the lecture upon his retirement.

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Editor's Note: Wellman and Dr. Ian Smith, professor of philosophy, Washburn University, will be available for media interviews following the lecture and Q&A session.

Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with more than 8,000 students involved in more than 200 academic programs. Washburn's programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor's, master's degree or doctor of nursing practice and juris doctor degrees. The programs are offered through Washburn's six primary academic units - the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Applied Studies, the Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business, the Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing, the School of Law and Washburn Tech.

All programs are offered on either the 160-acre residential campus in the heart of Topeka, Kan., at Washburn Tech's McPherson Campus, Washburn Tech East or Washburn Tech North. Washburn University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and many of the individual programs have additional accreditations.

For further information, contact:
Lacey Kinder
Content Specialist
Telephone: (785) 670-2154
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