Clarkson University will host the first annual Gender and Sexuality Studies Conference of the Associated Colleges Friday, Oct. 25.

The goal of the conference, titled “Why Gender and Sexuality Studies Still Matter,” is to bring together faculty, students and staff from all four colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley to examine new challenges, review current strategies, and develop fresh perspectives on gender and sexuality.

Friday’s events start with an opening lecture at noon in Snell Hall room 212 by Mecke Nagel, professor of philosophy at SUNY Cortland, who will explore the implications of anti-slavery abolitionism as applied to human trafficking and prison eradication.

Following the lecture, conference attendees will have the opportunity to participate in conversations at student poster sessions and information tables from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. in Snell Atrium.

Jyoti Puri, professor of sociology at Simmons College in Boston, will give the keynote speech at 3 p.m. Snell Hall room 213. She will speak about her latest book, “Sexual States: Governance and Decriminalizing Sodomy in India’s Present,” where she examines police responses to the anti-sodomy laws in India, and raises questions about obtaining sexual justice.

The conference will end with a book launch and signing party from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. in the Educational Resources Center room 1504 to celebrate the works of faculty from the four colleges who have published books on gender and sexuality. Refreshments will be served.