ADA focus of Dole Institute's fall 2015 programming
LAWRENCE — The Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas has released its programming schedule for early fall 2015, with a particular focus on celebrating the 25th anniversary of the passage of one of former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole’s proudest accomplishments, the Americans with Disabilities Act. Programming will feature legal experts, legislative aides and veteran journalists, among others.
All events are free, open to the public and located at the Dole Institute unless otherwise noted.
"This year is a momentous one for us and for Senator Dole,” said Dole Institute director Bill Lacy. “We look forward to celebrating the 25th anniversary of the passage of the ADA with an exciting lineup of programming and guests."
Fall highlights include a moderated discussion featuring disability rights activists Marca Bristo and David Morrissey on the importance of the ADA and the future of disability policy, an expert discussion of the constitutional ramifications on disability rights, and a review of the creation and passage of the ADA with former disability adviser to Dole, Maureen “Mo” West.
Daytime regular events such as the 2015 Fort Leavenworth Series and the Fall 2015 Study Group: First in Their Class—Authentic Women & the Originality That Got Them There, featuring fall Dole Fellow Judy Lloyd, will continue amid additional evening events featuring the likes of NBC’s Josh Mankiewicz and former Truman Presidential Library Director Mike Devine, among others.
The Dole Institute’s currently scheduled programs for the fall semester are as follows:
Evening Programs
"CommemorateADA 25": Marca Bristo & David Morrissey
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10
Join us as accomplished disability advocates Marca Bristo and David Morrissey — both leaders of the U.S. International Council on Disabilities as well as a number of other organizations advocating for the rights of people with disabilities —discuss the importance of the ADA, what it has accomplished and disability policy for the future. This is the first of a series of programs that will examine the ADA.
Constitution Day Event: "The 25th Anniversary of the ADA & Senator Bob Dole"
With Stephen McAllister, E.S. & Tom Hampton Distinguished Professor, KU School of Law
7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14
Providing civil rights protections for millions of Americans with disabilities builds on our nation’s civil rights foundation. ADA legislation guarantees that employment decisions must be made about individuals based on their abilities, not their disabilities. Stephen McAllister, professor of constitutional law, will discuss the ADA, disability rights and the Constitution at our annual Constitution Day program.
Journalism & Politics Lecture: “An Evening with NBC’s Josh Mankiewicz”
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22
NBC affiliate and “Dateline NBC” correspondent Josh Mankiewicz will talk about his craft and take a look at the 2016 presidential elections and its “Cast of Thousands” field. A journalist for nearly 36 years, Mankiewicz has covered a range of stories, including the 1980 Iran hostage crisis, the Mondale presidential campaign, and state, local and national politics. This is one interview you won’t want to miss.
"Your Story, His Story, the Legacy: the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act"
with former Dole aide Maureen “Mo” West
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7
Senior Archivist Audrey Coleman will speak with Maureen “Mo” West, top disability adviser to former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole during the formulation and passage of the ADA as a continuation of our popular “Your Story, His Story, the Legacy” programming. Inspired by materials from the Dole Archives, they’ll discuss West’s role and perspective in the development of this landmark piece of legislation.
"Truman’s Unused A-Bombs: Beyond Fat Man & Little Boy"
with former Truman Presidential Library Director Mike Devine
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21
Seventy years after Fat Man and Little Boy were dropped on Japan, former Truman Presidential Library Director and American foreign policy expert Mike Devine joins us for a discussion of the A-bombs that were ready but never used. He will provide insights on former President Harry S Truman’s decision to use the bomb to end WWII and what may have happened if Japan had refused to surrender.
Afternoon Programs
2015 Fort Leavenworth Series
"Military Innovations in Peace & War"
3 p.m. the first Thursday of each month, through Nov. 5
The military historians from the Army’s Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth continue this series, which provides in-depth and expert knowledge of the military innovations created during times of peace and war. From cavalry tactics to carrier groups, necessity has been the mother of invention. Each month features a different speaker and topic.
Fall 2015 Study Group
"First in Their Class—Authentic Women & the Originality That Got Them There"
with fall fellow Judy Lloyd
Time TBA Tuesdays, Oct. 6-Dec. 1
As a veteran of Dole’s campaigns and the office of the Majority Leader, among many other roles, Judy Lloyd is a well-established leader in her own right. A longtime student of women in leadership, she’s at the helm for this series examining women leaders in public service and business and their countless accomplishments.
Full details on each installment of the two afternoon series, as well as other individual afternoon programs, will be available on the Dole Institute’s website.
The Dole Institute of Politics is dedicated to promoting public service, civic engagement and political awareness. It is located on KU’s west campus and—in addition to being home to the Robert J. Dole Archive & Special Collections—offers free public programming with world-renowned guest speakers on a variety of topics that intersect politics, as well as research and educational opportunities for students of all ages and professionals.