From Ferguson To Forest Grove: A Forum Exploring The Intersection of Racism and Law Enforcement

As events have unfolded in Ferguson, Mo., this month, Human Rights Watch has noted: “Nobody should be above the law, including police. The Pacific University Center for Peace and Spirituality will sponsor a special forum, "From Ferguson To Forest Grove: A Forum Exploring The Intersection of Racism and Law Enforcement," on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.

The event is tentatively scheduled to occur in Taylor Auditorium (Marsh Hall 216). Notice will be given if the room location changes. A panel of diverse voices from the greater Portland area will open the forum by discussing how the events we’ve witnessed in Ferguson this month are similar or dissimilar to the ways we live our lives in Forest Grove and the Metro region.  Panelists will include human rights activists, students, clergy, and Pacific University faculty and staff. 

The Rev. Chuck Currie, director of the Center for Peace and Spirituality and university chaplain at Pacific University, will moderate the forum. 

“This will be an opportunity to hear from experts long concerned about civil rights but we will also hear from students and others who attend about their experiences. We want to acknowledge that this is a painful and charged issue,” Currie said. “The Center for Peace and Spirituality hopes that after this forum a next step might be meeting with local, state and federal law enforcement authorities to share any concerns students and other university community members might have.” 

Pacific University is located at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116. 

Panelists

  • Yashica Island, director of student academic inclusion and success in the Pacific University College of Arts & Sciences
  • Patrice Fuller, president of the Pacific University Black Student Union
  • Dr. Daniel Eisen, assistant professor of sociology at Pacific University
  • The Rev. Kate Lore, minister for social justice, Portland First Unitarian Church and member of the Portland Human Rights Commission
  • The Rev. Dr. T. Allen Bethel, senior minister, Maranatha Church and representative of the Albina Ministerial Alliance
  • Lauri Stewart, Human Rights Council of Washington Council 
Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014