The Wayne State School of Social Work is inviting the campus community to attend a series of informal discussions about current events and the overall "climate of the country," in a non-partisan space for sharing concerns, ideas and observations.

Organized by the school's Social Justice Committee, "People & Politics" comprises three discussion sessions at the following times and locations:

January 25, 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Wayne State University Main Campus
Towers Residential Suites, First Floor Lounge
655 W. Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202

February 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
WSU Schoolcraft Center
Jeffress Center, Room 301
18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI 48152

March 28, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Macomb Education Center
16480 Hall Road, Lecture Hall B
Clinton Township, MI 48038

According to Lauree Emery, director of continuing education for the school and a member of its Social Justice Committee, each session will be participant-led. Those in attendance will decide what they wish to discuss while faculty and student committee members act as facilitators. Emery said the discussion sessions align with the university's mission of encouraging students and faculty to "advance the boundaries of scholarly and practitioner knowledge [through] community engagement" and are a response to calls from both for lengthier and more robust conversations around everything from voting rights and water scarcity to unemployment and health insurance.

"During the past year, there has been growing concern and interest voiced by students and faculty to have a 'safe' place for discussions that are currently happening in the classroom but that seem to call for a venue that enables a deeper and more open forum for student and faculty conversations," Emery said. "These important conversations enhance our knowledge and understanding of one another and adhere to social work's mission to promote social, cultural and economic justice for the betterment of the poor, vulnerable and oppressed."

All are welcome to attend and for more information, please contact Emery at ab7097@wayne.edu. PDF Event Flyer