University Of Toledo: Students, Faculty To Host Events Focused On ‘Divisive Concepts' Legislation

Press release from the University of Toledo:

2021-11-29

Students and faculty at The University of Toledo organized several events this month to discuss proposed legislation in Ohio and across the U.S. that would ban the teaching of “divisive topics” ranging from the history of racism and respectful use of pronouns to current events.

The Department of Political Science and Public Administration is hosting a webinar “ ‘Divisive Concepts’ Legislation: What is at Stake?” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, via Webex. Email Renee.Heberle@utoledo.edu for the link.

Dr. Renee Heberle, professor of political science and co-director of the Program in Law and Social Thought, and Dr. Daniel Boden, associate professor of political science, will moderate the panel that includes:

•  Dr. Sam Nelson, associate professor and chair of the UToledo Department of Political Science and Public Administration;

•  Dr. Jeffrey Broxmeyer, associate professor of political science;

•  Dr. Anthony Daniels, associate lecturer of political science;

•  Dr. Kimberly Mack, associate professor of English;

•  Dr. Parama Sarkar, associate professor of English; and

•  Dr. Erica Czaja, assistant professor of health education and public health.

Students in the Judith Herb College of Education course titled Schooling and Democratic Society are hosting a town hall about Ohio House bills 322 and 327 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, in Health and Human Services Building Room 1600 on Main Campus. Free parking is available for the event only in lots 1N and 1S.

The event, titled “The Future of Education: Divisive Concepts in the Classroom” and sponsored by the UToledo Department of Educational Studies, will begin with an overview of the bills and a working definition of “divisive.” A panel of speakers will lay out issues, and participants will be invited to voice or submit questions and short statements. The list of panelists is being finalized.

To attend the Dec. 8 event virtually, preregister via Webex.

This press release was produced by the University of Toledo. The views expressed here are the author’s own.