Final spring 2023 'Wellness in Our Democracy' events planned April 12, 26


LAWRENCE — A collaborative series at the University of Kansas that centers misinformation, disinformation and the wellness of democracy continues in the spring 2023 semester with discussions on climate change and domestic terrorism. Led by Najarian Peters, KU associate professor of law and faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School; Patricia Weems Gaston, Lacy C. Haynes Professor of Journalism; and Emily Ryan, director of The Commons, the series offers additional opportunities to learn about the roots of misinformation, realms in which it has taken root and ways to combat it. These topics will be explored in cohesion with a focus on wellness — of ourselves and institutions that provide support for democracy.

The series continues April 12 with an examination of “Misinformation, Disinformation, and Understanding Climate Change.” It will offer a critical conversation that unpacks identity and climate denialism and includes strategies implemented at the highest levels in U.S. science communication offices. The discussion will feature Gaston, a Pulitzer Prize winner and a former editor at The Washington Post, in conversation with Lori Arguelles, director of strategic communications for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Trevor Lies, doctoral student in psychology; and Reggie Hubbard, founder and chief serving officer of Active Peace Yoga.

On April 26, the 2022-2023 series will culminate with a closer look at “Misinformation, Disinformation, Extremism, and Domestic Terrorism.” The event features Gaston in conversation with Jonas Kaiser, assistant professor at Suffolk University and faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University; Paul Cope, director of KU’s Master of Science in Homeland Security: Law and Policy Program and judge advocate in the Kansas Army National Guard, where he holds the rank of lieutenant colonel; and Hubbard.

The events, which begin at 7 p.m., run 75 minutes each and include time for centering oneself through intentional breathwork.

Events in this series are supported and presented by The Commons, the School of Law, the William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications and the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.

 

Tue, 04/11/2023

author

Emily Ryan

Media Contacts

Emily Ryan

The Commons

785-864-6293