This past Wednesday, the Human Rights Forum was lucky to host Professor Jeff Engel from SMU's History Department. His presentation focused on American government and more specifically, the value of a vote. We saw this historically-focused talk as a great way to both take a break from the exhausting current issues facing our country and learn more about our role in making our shared world a more just place. Professor Engel drove home the idea that in order for our democracy to function, citizens must participate. To do right by the Vietnam minority veterans who were fighting to uphold democracy in Vietnam while simultaneously not enjoying these same rights at home, we must exercise our civic duty of voting. We were encouraged by the great turnout we had! It shows how much young people must be involved in shaping this country's future. After the 2016 election, we were left feeling shocked, disheartened, and discouraged. We thank Professor Engel for reminding us that it is our duty to stand up and to speak up. There’s no doubt that every attendee left his visit feeling as patriotic and committed to America’s values as ever. Kathy Pham, our incoming student President, found his speech very interesting and thought-provoking. Emily Clark, a future Aggie, thought he was inspiring. She is never going to skip voting. Ever. Several of Mr. Hardy's French beginners said this was the best thing they'd heard all year. A big thanks is deserving of Amy Miller, the Director of Education at the WAC of DFW, for setting this up! We are continually grateful for these amazing opportunities afforded to us through our involvement in Junior World Affairs Council. Learn more about Professor Jeff Engel's incredible work by following this link: http://www.smu.edu/Dedman/Academics/Departments/History/People/FacultyStaff/JeffreyAE Explore the pictures from the guest speaking event below!
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AuthorHuman Rights Forum Officers, 2016-2017 |