Have you ever wanted to know more about the issues surrounding homeland security? Have you wondered about the future state of our nation’s economy? What kind of foreign policy might this country adopt during the next four years?
With the November election quickly approaching, many people want to know more about the key issues facing the candidates. If that’s you, then you need to educate yourself!
“Educate Yourself: 2004,” sponsored by Student Union, will comprise a series of weekly forums aimed at helping the University community fully understand all sides of some of the larger issues in the upcoming election.
The series will run from Sept. 7-Nov. 1 and feature panel discussions presenting all aspects of a relevant issue. These panels, consisting of University faculty members, national experts and community members, have been selected to breed discussion and debate, using their expertise to educate voters on the issues at hand. The talks are open to the public.
Topics have been chosen based on their importance nationally, as well as at the University.
“I hope that the events will allow the University’s students and other spectators to gain greater perspective and understanding of important issues that will affect the lives of college students around the country,” said Jessica Jones, Student Union treasurer. “Ideally, this will empower students to make informed and educated political choices.”
Forums will be held at 4:45 p.m. in Rebstock Hall, Room 215. The schedule and discussion topics are:
• Sept. 7: Foreign Policy and Homeland Security;
• Sept. 13: Education;
• Sept. 20: Civil Rights;
• Sept. 27: Labor Relations;
• Oct. 4: The Political Process;
• Oct. 11: Reproductive Rights;
• Oct. 18: Environment & Energy;
• Oct. 25: Economy & Trade; and
• Nov. 1: Local Issues/The Presidency (dependent on panelists).
“I’m really excited for the forums for the sole fact that it will hopefully get people discussing the issues,” said David Ader, Student Union president. “By focusing on the issues, these forums will remind people that the things politicians are talking about at the national level genuinely affect them in their daily lives.
“By bringing together groups from all over campus, we are providing forum attendees exposure to a wide array of viewpoints that they might not normally encounter.”
For a full list of speakers and more information on the forums and issues, go online to ey2004.wustl.edu. The Web site will provide the full schedule, biographical information on the panelists, contact information and more.