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Democracy Then And Now

September 20, 2016 History

Democracy Then And Now

The University of Maryland has launched a campus-wide initiative on the intersection of public education, American democracy and civic engagement.

The University of Maryland has launched a campus-wide initiative on the intersection of public education, American democracy and civic engagement called “Democracy Then and Now: Citizenship and Public Education.” Through a series of conversations, lectures, student projects and voter registration drives, the initiative will engage UMD students, faculty and staff on the historical and contemporary relationship between public education and citizenship. 

“It is the responsibility of a land-grant institution to educate students in preparation for citizenship in both a professional and personal context,” said Mary Ann Rankin, UMD’s senior vice president and provost. “It’s gratifying to see so many scholars join together across campus to advance public education and civic participation.” 

The initiative spans more than a dozen colleges, schools, departments and offices across the university. For the ceight weeks leading up to the November elections, the initiative will trace the history of UMD as an original land-grant institution responsible for fostering civic engagement, and will offer perspectives on the shifting educational and political opportunities of Americans, documented and undocumented. 

On October 19th at 3:30 PM, our very own Professor Holly Brewer will speak on behalf of the department during History Week. Her presentation, “Promises of Consent and Equality? Public Education After the American Revolution” will take place in Taliaferro Hall, Room 2110.

For more information on “Democracy Then and Now: Citizenship and Public Education,” including a full listing of events, visit http://dtn.umd.edu.