University News
"Now is the Time: A Community Discussion" Nov. 9 at WIU
November 2, 2016
MACOMB, IL -- To continue to enhance the positive town-gown relationship within the City of Macomb and Western Illinois University, a new Western Illinois University committee, the Social Well-Being and Understanding Committee, will host the event, "Now is the Time: A Community Discussion" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 in the University Union Heritage Rooms.
The committee, which is comprised of faculty and administrators, was established to address social issues regarding distrust between law enforcement and some people in the community, particularly persons of color. According to Ron Williams, interim vice president of student services, the committee will also work to address civility, misconceptions and concerns regarding law enforcement practices, violence and more. There is also a student group that will make planning contributions to this committee, Williams noted.
"It is important for all members of this University community to feel safe and included. Having a collective institutional response, which includes varying perspectives to the more recent national and regional tragedies regarding police shootings involving young men and women of color may help to appropriately address feelings of distrust, disrespect and avoidance," Williams added.
As a result, "Now is the Time: A Community Discussion," which is a two-part panel discussion will feature WIU students, faculty and administrators responding to a series of [student-inspired] questions and sharing their own perspectives regarding the events happening in the nation. Panelists will include Office of Public Safety Det. Jerel Jones, Political Science Professor Janna Dietz, School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Director Jill Myers and Associate Vice President of Student Services Jason Woods. Student Government Association President Dovile Svirupskaite will moderate the discussion, and other students will also participate.
"The purpose of this event is to bring an awareness to social issues and encourage open, well-informed and intelligent dialogue regarding these issues," Williams said.
The event is open free to the public.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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