'Roundup' offers forum for civil discussion of critical issues

The latest in a free series of informal discussions, focused on respectfully dissecting emotionally charged topics, will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, in Penn's Inn.

"One of the most important elements of an open society is its capacity for open and honest debate," said moderator Craig A. Miller, an associate professor of history/political science at Penn College.

"Civic virtue, as the Romans argued, is key to a functioning, robust republic, and this series aims to encourage debate in an environment where all ideas can be explored and discussed."

The two-hour program – "A Political Roundup” – will examine such ongoing current events as abortion, gun rights, free speech and foreign policy. Students and community members are welcome to attend, ask questions or make comment on the issues of the day; refreshments will be provided.

"The discussion series aims to go beyond headlines and stereotypes, to forgo easy answers and lines of inquiry that seek only to blame or sow division," Miller said. "Our aim is to engage each other as people with different ideas and experiences in order to better understand one another and foster a more robust, pluralistic and inclusive debate."

Penn's Inn is on the second floor of the Bush Campus Center.