Just Talk

Spreading the Light of Freedom: The Central Valley Freedom Summer Project

Just Talk

This week’s Just Talk features a dialogue between John Rogers and six participants in the Central Valley Freedom Summer project. Through this initiative, students from UC Santa Cruz and UC Merced who grew up in California’s Central Valley returned to their communities last summer to examine and participate in grassroots community organizing, youth development, and voter engagement. 

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Mitchell Chang: Affirming Diversity

Just Talk

In this week’s Just Talk, John Rogers sits down with Mitchell Chang, professor of higher education at UCLA. Professor Chang, who also holds a joint appointment in the Asian American Studies Department, conducts research on the educational efficacy of diversity-related initiatives on college campuses. He is interested in applying best practices in campus diversity toward advancing student learning and enhancing democracy. His research on the educational value of diversity was cited by the U.S. Supreme Court in Grutter v. Bollinger.

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From Fear to Hope: Mr. Sanchez’ Period 3 U.S. Government Class at Alhambra High School

Just Talk

In this week’s Just Talk, we share a dialogue between John Rogers and students from Alhambra High School. Following the shooting in Parkland, Florida and the national walkout on March 14th, students from Jose Sanchez’ U.S. Government class began researching issues surrounding gun violence in schools. The students decided to collectively state their concerns about gun violence, and suggestions for making schools safer, in the form of a public resolution.

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Just Talk