Eugenics Past, Present, and Future: The American War Against the Weak

There have been many ideologies throughout history which have shaped society’s treatment of “others.” Few have been more powerful or had more devastating impacts than the Eugenics movement, the ideas of which were most fully developed in the United States at the turn of the century and adopted by Germany in the early 1920s with horrific consequences. This educational event will focus on the American Eugenics movement, its champions, its foes, and its work to wage war against some of society’s most vulnerable populations through mass sterilization, brutalization, segregation, and euthanasia. Together we will explore the remnants of Eugenics ideas in today’s society and their potential impacts on devalued groups of people.

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About the History, Heroes, and Pioneers in the Field Series

“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, however, if faced with courage, we need not live it again.” – Maya Angelou

It is a longstanding value of Keystone Human Services that in order to truly understand someone, we must understand the person’s history; not only the story of one’s life, but also the experiences of one’s people over time. Yet more and more society is being confronted with gaping holes in our knowledge of the histories of certain groups of people which have been forgotten, suppressed, and even erased. In 2022 the Keystone Institute will be offering educational opportunities, open to all employees, designed to introduce our workforce to histories, heroes, and pioneers in the fields of our services. We will explore historical events, life conditions, and major figures who have served as change agents within the fields of disability, and mental difference. In our remembrance of many who have come before us, we will together affirm our collective commitment to advance the human spirit of those we serve.

Date: January 13 2023 @ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST