Dr. Larycia Hawkins will be on the Oregon State University campus tonight to give a Hundere lecture, entitled “Islamophobia: Politics and Prejudice in Contemporary America,” in the Memorial Union at 7:00 p.m.

In her lecture, put on by the School of History, Philosophy and Religion, Hawkins will discuss embedded solidarity with marginalized groups and how that can increase understanding, in light of “divisive political rhetoric and religious polarization,” according to the School of History, Philosophy, and Religion’s webpage.

According to the event’s web page, Hawkins is an American scholar, author, and speaker, who in 2013, became the first female African-American tenured professor at Wheaton College, a Christian evangelical liberal arts college. She served as an associate professor of political science at the college.

Hawkins will also discuss her experiences at Wheaton College.

In December of 2015, Hawkins was put on paid administrative leave after wearing a hijab and claiming that despite religious differences, Christians and Muslims worship the same God.

Hawkins also posted photos on her personal social media account of her wearing her hijab during Advent, the first season of the Christian church year, stating that her posting the photos was a Christian act of solidarity with Muslims. Her employment at Wheaton ended in February 2016.

Hawkins’ lecture will be held in Room 206/Asian-Pacific Room in the Memorial Union and is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. The event is expected to last until around 9 p.m.