Erec Smith

Erec Smith (USA) is a native of the USA. He earned his MS and PhD at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2003 and is currently Professor of Rhetoric and Composition at York College of Pennsylvania, York (PA). Since 2023 he also works as Research Fellow at the renowned Cato Institute in Washington (DC). Dr. Smith’ scholarly interests and primary work focuses on the rhetoric of anti-racist activism and the theory of pedagogy
as well as the important role of rhetoric in a free, pluralistic and civil society. He frequently testifies before the House of Representatives in Washington (DC). Smith also serves as an advisor for both, the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism and Counterweight, two important Washington (DC) based organizations that advocate classical liberal concepts of Social Justice. He is the co-founder of Free Black Thought,
an independent think tank dedicated to highlighting viewpoint diversity within the black communities. He also works as co-editor of the Journal of Free Black Thought, an academic journal for artists, academics and public intellectuals that publishes topics not discussed in mainstream media.

Prof. Smith’ most recent books include A Critique of Anti-Racism in Rhetoric and Composition: The Semblance of Empowerment (2019) where he scrutinizes contemporary modes of anti-racism in his field and his acclaimed The Lure of Disempowerment: Reclaiming Agency in the Age of CRT (2022). In the same year he was the recipient of the Hero of Intellectual Freedom Award from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.