The first stop on the Donald versus Hillary 2016 Presidential Debate reality television show will be at Hofstra University in suburban New York City on Monday night September 26. Hofstra also hosted presidential debates in 2008 and 2012. Yes - I work at Hofstra, but I have no way of getting tickets. I expect to be outside campus on Hempstead Turnpike waiving my picket sign. Don't know yet what it will say.
Let's hope there are a minimum of insults and innuendos at this debate and at least some discussion of policy. Hillary tries to focus on issues facing the nation and on what it means to be President, but with Donald, who knows what will happen? I would also like to give the Libertarian and Green Party candidates a chance to participate, but it is not up to me.
As part of the run-up to the debate, Hofstra University organized over fifty panels, presentations, and discussions, most of which are open to the general public. On Thursday September 15 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. the School of Education sponsors a panel discussion "An Agenda for Public Education." It will be held at the Guthart Cultural Center Theater in the Axinn Library.
Since passage of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2002 with bipartisan support, the federal government has played an increased role in establishing national educational policy and standards. The Republican Party platform leans toward returning more authority to the states and privatizing education. The Democratic Party leans toward maintaining the federal voice in education but has also been more responsive to parents and teachers. What will be the future of public education in the United States?
The education panel is moderated by Andrea Libresco, Professor of Social Studies Education and the Director of Civic Education at Hofstra University.
Featured panelists include Carol Burris, Executive Director of the Network for Public Education; Max Eden, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute; Yohuru Williams, Fairfield University; Leo Casey, Executive Director, Albert Shanker Institute; Kevin Welner, CU Boulder Professor & Director of the National Education Policy Center; John Hildebrand, Newsday Senior Education Writer; and Alan Singer, Professor of Education, Hofstra University.
Comments will come from Andrea Libresco, Elfreda Blue, Professor of Specialized Programs in Education, Hofstra University, and audience members.
For more information about debate related activities at Hofstra University contact Melissa Connolly, Vice President for University Relations at Melissa.A.Connolly@hofstra.edu or check www.hofstra.edu/debate.
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