Humanists are quick to defend threats to the separation of church and state, but they have not always been consistently unified in engaging with pressing issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality—namely, those linked to economic, environmental, and social justice. Drawing on his tenure as executive director of the American Humanist Association, Roy Speckhardt calls for humanists everywhere to center justice in their humanism by promoting public policy based on ethical humanist principles. Acknowledging the challenges inherent to this type of advocacy and activism—such as balancing short-term needs with long-term goals and espousing a common humanity without erasing differences—he offers a compelling case and guidance for championing justice-centered humanism.
Roy Speckhardt is former Executive Director of the American Humanist Association where he actively promoted the humanist perspective on progressive political issues. He is a frequent media commentator, having appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, Fox News, and NPR, among others. Speckhardt serves on the advisory board of the Religious Freedom Center of the Newseum Institute, is a member of the Forbes Nonprofit Council, and previously served as deputy director of The Interfaith Alliance. Speckhardt holds an M.B.A. from George Mason University and B.A. in sociology from Mary Washington College. His first book Creating Change Through Humanism is provided to all new members of the American Humanist Association.