Second ‘Power of Perspective’ panel to take on disproportionate policy impact

The second “Power of Perspective” online panel discussion will be at noon Thursday, July 30, and cover the topic “Matter of Policy: Who has Influence?”

The “Power of Perspective” is a series aimed at increasing awareness of America’s full history as it relates to systematic inequities while promoting productive conversations around sustaining positive change.

The panelists will be Kenneth Robinson, associate professor of sociology and anthropology; Joseph Stewart, professor of political science; and Shirley Timmons, professor of nursing. The three will discuss how national and local policies, such as voting rights, community development and health care access, are decided upon and implemented, along with the disproportionate impact some policies have on marginalized communities.

Kendra Stewart-Tillman, executive director of the Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center, states the series was sparked by recent conversations around racial inequity in the U.S. She said the first panel, “Independence Day: Land of the Free?” was very well-attended with 309 registrants, a testament to the weight of importance people are putting on these issues today.

• See a recorded version of “Independence Day: Land of the Free?”

“Our second installment has significant relevance as we continue to navigate COVID-19 and also continue to move through the election cycle,” said DeOnte Brown, assistant dean of students, community achievement and student empowerment for the Division of Student Affairs.

“COVID-19 has created an awareness of economic and health disparities that have long existed in our society. With COVID-19 we have seen impacts to unemployment benefits, health care access and education practices and how various policymakers have worked for or against various resolutions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic,” he said. “To take a lesson from the hit musical ‘Hamilton,’ COVID-19 is just the latest example of why it’s important to know who’s in the room where decision-making happens.”

The events are hosted by the Gantt Center in the Division of Inclusion and Equity and the Community Achievement and Student Empowerment (CASE), a new department in Student Affairs. The series is free and open to all Clemson faculty, students and staff.

To participate, R.S.V.P. through this link.