Friday, March 24, 2017

The Watson College of Education will host a live NC SPIN debate featuring four speakers with diverse views about education policy in North Carolina. The debate will run from 5:30-7 p.m. March 30 in Lumina Theater.

“Policies that affect our schools, the children who attend them, our educators and the communities in which they live should be debated and examined in public,” said WCE Dean Van Dempsey. “That debate should be vigorous with multiple perspectives engaged. The Watson College and UNCW are proud to host this discussion of the top issues in education facing North Carolina, and we thank NC SPIN for bringing this opportunity to our campus.”

Panelists include Becki Gray, senior vice president of the John Locke Foundation; Chris Fitzsimon, executive director of N.C. Policy Watch; John Hood, chair of the John Locke Foundation and president of the John William Pope Foundation; and Howard Lee, a former Democratic state senator and former chair of the State Board of Education.

Encouraging exploration of contemporary ideas and issues from a variety of perspectives contributes to academic excellence, one of the foundations of UNCW’s Strategic Plan. The university is committed to hosting public events that allow students, faculty and staff to engage with the community.

NC SPIN is a weekly television program that airs statewide and features politically balanced discussions on timely North Carolina issues. Its host and executive producer is Tom Campbell, a career broadcaster and former assistant state treasurer. The live debate at UNCW, which will be live-streamed but not televised, is open to the public, as is the reception that will follow in the Clock Tower Lounge.

Admission is free, but seating is limited. Register to reserve a seat or sign up for live-streaming.

-- Tricia Vance

#WCE
#ENGAGEMENT