Manchester Discussion Day explores climate change, justice

Manchester University’s Discussion Day is Wednesday, Feb. 15. This year’s topic is climate change and climate justice. 

Discussion Day is a Manchester biennial tradition that brings the community together to engage in an immersive examination of an issue identified to be of significant relevance to the students, staff and faculty.

The event will extend through the week, with presentations on Monday and Wednesday in Cordier Auditorium as part of the Values, Ideas and the Arts (VIA) series.

The first VIA presentation is 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13 with Sarah Jaquette Ray, professor of environmental studies at Humboldt State University in California.

Ray will discuss how a new generation of activists is changing the climate movement and why it is important to know how to cultivate intellectual and existential skillfulness in our advocacy, no matter what type of work one does.

Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet, a documentary examining the collapse of the earth’s biodiversity, will be shown on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. in Cordier. Following the 75-minute film will be a discussion led by a Manchester University panel.

The Discussion Day keynote address, “Imagine Justice, Transformation and Liberation,” is at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15.

The keynote speaker is Denise Abdul-Rahman, the Climate Justice Alignment Initiative co-manager for the Chisholm Legacy Project.

Abdul-Rahman is a leader in organizing for just energy, shutting down coal operations and expanding solar access for low-income families. She advocates for reducing harmful emissions, advancing energy efficiency and clean energy, and strengthening community resilience and livability.

All three are free and open to the public.

After Abdul-Rahman's presentation, concurrent sessions led by Manchester faculty, staff and students will take place from 1-2:50 p.m.

Members of the public who are interested in participating in Discussion Week events can register here. 

For more information about Discussion Day, email discussionday@manchester.edu.

For the media

Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.

Our mission and values
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction that draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.

February 2023