The community is invited to participate in a conversation about “Political Engagement: Influencing Change!” on Wednesday, April 20, from 6-8 p.m. in Stevenson Center Room 1100.
The event is the sixth installment in the “…And Justice for All” series, which was made possible by a grant from the John G. Thompson College and Community Fund.
Panelists include State Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright (D-92nd District), State Rep. Jon Bumstead (R-100th District), Muskegon County Equal Opportunity Employment Officer Tim Bracey, MCC Board of Trustees Treasurer Sean Mullally and MCC Instructor Kurt Troutman. MCC Social Sciences faculty members Papa N’Jai and Nicholas Budimir will facilitate the discussion.
To date, the “And Justice for All” series has covered the causes and consequences of unequal treatment in the criminal justice system with topics including police abuses, mass incarceration, and the basis of prejudice.
The April 20 event will feature academics, politicians and activists talking about opportunities and ideas for influencing change in the way police, courts, and prisons function. Increasing public awareness around criminal justice and policing allows the opportunity to discuss and debate new directions and ideas for reform.
In addition to debating ideas, panelists will be invited to offer suggestions on movement building and creating a consensus around intelligent and moral reforms. These ideas for reform include:
- Drug law reform or decriminalization
- Sentencing reform
- Banning the box “felony history”
- Community policing
- Culturally competent policing
- “Broken Windows Policing” and reform
- De-privatization of Prisons
- De-militarization of Police
- Return to rehabilitation from punishment
For more information, contact the MCC Office of Student Services at (231) 777-0266.