Critical dialogue on issues that matter.
The Midwest Ethics Symposium is an annual conference hosted by the Prindle Institute that convenes scholars, faculty, students, and alumni for intensive discussions on complex ethical issues. Each conference is centered around a particular theme. Past themes have included the ethics of philanthropy and the ethical challenges associated with new artificial intelligence technologies.
2025 Program: Ethics and Sports
We are thrilled to host the third annual Midwest Ethics Symposium: Ethics and Sports, April 9-10, 2025. This year’s symposium will bring together academics, sportspeople, students, and alumni to think about the myriad ethical questions that are related to sports.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Richard Lapchick, a human rights activist, professor emeritus of sports business management, and vice president and CEO of the Institute for Sport and Social Justice. His address, “The Power of Sport to Impact Social Justice”, will be at 7:00 PM, April 9, in the Prindle Institute Auditorium.
Other sessions include:
- A session on fairness and refereeing, including academic papers as well as a panel with three current referees (Big10 Football, Indiana State High School Basketball, DIII Soccer)
- A session on cheating, doping, and tanking.
- A session investigating the benefits and perils of sports that pose a risk of injury or death.
- A session on identity and gender in sports, including a panel on women in sports.
- In honor of NCAA DIII Week, a panel of student athletes and faculty who were former student athletes, reflecting on the connections and tensions between athletics and academics.
The symposium is free and open to the public, but we ask that attendees from outside the DePauw community register so that we can adequately prepare.
Full Itinerary → Event Registration →
2025 Keynote: Richard Lapchick
Dr. Richard Lapchick is a pioneering human rights activist, scholar, and sports leader dedicated to using the power of athletics to drive social change. Often referred to as the “conscience of sport,” Lapchick has spent decades advocating for racial equality, gender equity, and ethical leadership in athletics.
As the founder and director of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) at the University of Central Florida, Lapchick has authored annual reports on racial and gender hiring practices in professional and collegiate sports, shaping policies and holding institutions accountable. A prolific author and speaker, he has written numerous books and articles addressing issues of social justice, discrimination, and the transformative role of sports in society.
Lapchick’s activism dates back to his early years, inspired by his father, Joe Lapchick, a basketball trailblazer who helped break the NBA’s color barrier. Overcoming personal attacks for his advocacy, including a brutal assault for his anti-apartheid work, Lapchick remains a fearless champion for equality. He has worked closely with civil rights leaders, professional sports leagues, and global organizations to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A member of the Sports Hall of Fame and the recipient of numerous humanitarian awards, Lapchick continues to inspire audiences with his powerful message on the intersection of sports, ethics, and justice.
Past Symposia
The 2024 Midwest Ethics Symposium, The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, brought together leading thinkers and practitioners to explore the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. The conference, held from April 16-18, 2024, featured a diverse range of presentations and panel discussions. Keynote speakers Jon Gertner and Nate Nichols ’05 set the tone for the event, addressing critical issues at the intersection of ethics and AI. The symposium covered a wide array of topics, including the future of work, AI welfare, and biomedical ethics. Notable presentations included Ricky Mouser’s exploration of “Superintelligence and Suicide,” and Jo Ann Oravec’s examination of AI’s impact on human cognition and rights in the workplace. The panel on AI and Education, featuring Andrew Rosner ’05 and Samuel Bennett, provided valuable insights into the transforming landscape of learning. Existential risk was a key theme, with William D’Alessandro’s talk on “AI, Domination and Control of Humanity’s Future” sparking intense discussions. The symposium also delved into more specific applications of AI, such as Rachel Robison-Greene’s presentation on AI and robotics in food systems. Throughout the conference, attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions on responsibility gaps in AI decision-making, the ethics of AI-generated content, and the potential impacts of brain-computer interfaces. The event successfully highlighted the complex ethical challenges posed by AI’s rapid advancement across various sectors of society.
The 2023 Symposium, Money and Democracy, brought together scholars and students to explore pressing ethical issues in our politics. The two-day event featured a keynote address by Emma Saunders-Hastings on “Rethinking Dirty Money,” followed by a series of thought-provoking presentations and discussions. Topics ranged from behavioral interventions and effective altruism to mutual aid and socially responsible business practices. Speakers from various universities, including Ohio State, Arizona State, and the University of Wisconsin, presented their research, with commentators providing critical insights. The symposium also included an undergraduate session, showcasing emerging scholarship in the field. This gathering offered a unique opportunity for academics, practitioners, and students to engage in meaningful dialogue about contemporary ethical challenges and their implications for society.