Education and the Pursuit of Happiness: Implementing the California Dream Act

Tuesday, May 15 at 11:15 a.m.: “Implementing the California Dream Act.” A panel discussion – led by Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles – includes students sharing their personal experiences.

Humanities & Social Science Lecture Hall 165, SMC main campus, 1900 Pico Blvd.

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The Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute is pleased to present its 1st Annual Spring Symposium, “Education and the Pursuit of Happiness,” May 15-17. All events are free and open to the public.

The symposium features speakers, panel discussions and a film screening covering a broad range of topics that explore whether there is any real relationship between education and happiness in life. 

SMC’s Public Policy Institute provides nonpartisan community programs exploring key economic, social and political issues. Led by its founding director, former State Sen. Sheila Kuehl, and its associate director, political science professor Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, who holds the Chair of Excellence in Philosophy & Social Science, the institute offers free, informative discussions on policy issues that affect our daily lives.

“We chose the theme of the symposium to encourage lively debate and discussion on whether learning can be seen as related to happiness,” Kuehl said. The topic also reflects SMC’s 2011-12 global citizenship theme, “Health, Wellness & the Pursuit of Happiness.”

“It’s a week of great programs and, to finish off, the institute’s community forum on Thursday night will present a discussion on whether the U.S. Constitution may be seen as guaranteeing happiness or, perhaps, only the pursuit. The panel is stellar, as are all the presenters all week. I hope everyone will join us.”