A former teacher and current director of the Iowa Department of Human Rights will be the keynote speaker at the convocation ceremony for the College of Education.

Ruth White will be speaking about her experiences in the field of education at 5 p.m. Dec. 19 in CY Stephens Auditorium.

Her speech will continue the university’s year-long celebration of the landmark Brown v. Board of education Supreme Court decision.

White said she has also served as chairwoman for the Commission on the Status of African Americans and was a teacher for 20 years. She taught advanced placement English and humanities and acted as an academic adviser to minority students.

Cathy Curtis, a public relations coordinator for the College of Education, said White was recommended by a colleague.

“Ted Stilwill, the director of the Iowa Department of Education, identified her as a great candidate to speak on the topic of Brown v. Board of Education,” Curtis said. “Also, since she is a former teacher, she could tailor her comments for the graduating students.”

White said she plans to use her experiences as an African-American woman and an educator for her comments.

“I will also be speaking to the relevance of the decision for the North and the South, and the importance of remembering the decision,” White said. “It is crucial that young educators be aware of the chain-link evolution of history. In other words, we are where we are because of [this decision].”

Walt Gmelch, dean of the College of Education, said he wants students to understand the importance of the landmark decision.

“In essence, we are celebrating access to education in America,” Gmelch said.

He said White was also a great choice because she is also heading the state celebration of the decision.

This event is part of a continuing, year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, said Tahira Hira, assistant to the president.

“Our goal has been this year to heighten our awareness of diversity,” Hira said. “Also we want to open young people’s minds to the fact that this would not have been available to them but for this decision.”