Confronting Inequality

“Confronting Inequality: Political, Educational and Social Consequences and Remedies” is the focus of a President’s Symposium Friday, May 11, at Cal State Fullerton.

Economists, political scientists and educators will convene from 8:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Fullerton Marriott to explore the complex dynamics of an issue that has sparked outrage, complacency and political activism. The free event is open to the public.

The symposium’s visiting presenters will lead a thoughtful exploration of what inequality means for our society, while Cal State Fullerton faculty members will present a “just the facts” description of inequality in wealth and income, and review the findings from Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Public Policy survey of Orange County residents’ views on inequality.

Willie J. Hagan, CSUF interim president, will give opening and closing remarks; Keith Boyum, interim executive assistant to the president and emeritus professor of political science, will serve as moderator.

Presentations and speakers include:

• “The Growing Divide in an Age of Austerity” — Thomas Byrne Edsall, Joseph Pulitizer II and Edith Pulitzer Moore professor of public affairs journalism, Columbia University
• “Poverty and Inequality After the Great Recession” — Sheldon Danziger, professor of public policy, University of Michigan
• “Affluence and Influence: Economic Inequality and Political Power in America” — Martin Gilens, professor of politics, Princeton University
• “Inequality in Postsecondary Attainment” — Susan M. Dynarski, associate professor of public policy, University of Michigan
• “Confronting Inequality: The Work Agenda for HACU Institutions - and the Rest of American Higher Education” — Antonio Flores, president and CEO, Hispanic Association of College and Universities
• “Setting the Stage” — Kristin Kleinjans, assistant professor of economics, Cal State Fullerton
• “Orange County Residents’ Opinions About Inequality” — Scott Spitzer, assistant professor of political science, Cal State Fullerton

Additional details, including the agenda, are available online.

The Fullerton Marriott, 2701 East Nutwood Ave., Fullerton, 92831, is located on the southeast corner of campus.

Media Contact:        

Christopher Bugbee, 657-278-8487