NORTH MANCHESTER — Who is allowed to say the n-word? What do we do, say or think when we hear it on the street, in classrooms, songs and cafeterias or at home? Ignoring it is not an option anymore – it is everywhere.

A white student at Kansas State University was recently kicked out of school and vilified across the nation after posting a picture of herself and friend on Snapchat posing in a black facial mask above a caption using the word.

Nationally acclaimed diversity education consultant Eddie Moore Jr., Ph.D., is bringing the conversation to Manchester University on Sunday, Oct. 9, with “The N!gga(er) Word: Is There a Message in the Madness?”

It is 7 p.m. in Cordier Auditorium on the North Manchester campus. The event is free and open to the public.

“Manchester is offering an intimate and supportive environment where students and other participants are encouraged to engage in respectful dialogue about this issue,” said Michael Dixon, MU director of intercultural services. “We decided to bring Dr. Moore to campus at a time when many people have questions and opinions but few ways to examine them.”

Participants will be challenged to take a closer look at their personal histories with the word, when and how they first heard it and their feelings associated with it. Moore encourages all people, specifically young people and future leaders, to consider the ramifications of casual or uninformed usage of this powerful and troublesome word.

Moore has spoken at national and international conferences focusing on issues of diversity, youth, community, education, cultural competency, leadership and white privilege. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Cornell College (IA), a master’s degree in education administration from Loras College and a doctorate in education in education leadership from the University of Iowa.

The Oct. 9 presentation is part of the Values, Ideas and the Arts program at the University.