CALENDAR ITEM: MU Peace Studies to Host Panel Discussion on Past Vietnam War Protests

April 21st, 2014

By Diamond Dixon

WHAT: The 1970 shootings at Kent State University and Jackson State University led to unrest on college campuses across the country, including MU. Now, a panel will address the significance of these events and their impact on MU culture and policy. Additionally, MU alumni from 1970 are invited to share their recollections and insights about the events during an open discussion following the presentation.

WHO: Panelists include:

• Bill Wickersham, adjunct professor of peace studies at MU, was an MU assistant professor of recreation and park administration in 1970 and a faculty advisor during the May 11 anti-war demonstration at Jesse Hall that grew to over 3,000 students. Wickersham helped represent the interests of student protesters at the time.

• Paul Wallace, professor emeritus of political science at MU, was an MU assistant professor of political science in 1970. During that time he participated in the Committee of Concerned Students “teach-ins” and helped organize anti-war protests both on campus and in the community.

• Musa Ilu, a graduate student involved in the anti-apartheid movement at MU during the 1980s, is now a professor of sociology at the University of Central Missouri-Warrensburg.  He will be speaking on the topic of academic intellectuals and political engagement in May 1970.

• Curtis Edwards, an MU graduate instructor who is currently researching how social movements affect public policy.

Open mic participants will include:

• John Betz, a 1970 student protester, who is currently a member of Veterans for Peace.

WHERE: Tucker Hall, Room 18, MU Campus

WHEN: 7:30 – 9 p.m., Monday, April 21

NOTE: This event is free and open to the public. Panelists will be available twenty minutes before the start of the event for media interviews.