U. Michigan paid critical race theory advocate $20,000 for a one-hour virtual discussion: report

Author and prominent critical race theory advocate Ibram X. Kendi was reportedly paid $20,000 to speak at a one-hour virtual event last fall at the University of Michigan.

The contract between the University of Michigan and Kendi's speaking agency, Penguin Random House, said Kendi spoke for 45 minutes and answered questions for 15 minutes during the presentation on Nov. 11, 2020, Campus Reform reported. The contract reportedly stipulated that if the event went over 1,000 attendees, the university would be charged a higher amount.

"Costs for this event were covered by the university's General Fund," the university’s director of Public Affairs and Internal Communications, Rick Fitzgerald, told Campus Reform. "General Fund money comes from a variety of sources, including student tuition and fees, state appropriations and costs recovered from sponsored research activities. It pays for teaching, student services, facilities and administrative support for the university."