SMC Public Policy Institute
Santa Monica College’s Public Policy Institute provides nonpartisan community programs exploring key economic, social, and political issues. Led by its founding director, former State Senator Sheila Kuehl, and its associate director, SMC political science professor Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, who holds the Chair of Excellence, Philosophy & Social Science, the Institute offers free, informative discussions on the policy issues that affect our daily lives.
Supporting members of the SMC Public Policy Institute enjoy preferred seating and other privileges.
Please send email to kuehl.website@gmail.com to find out how you can become a supporting member.
Annual Spring Symposium May 14-18, 2012
Education and the Pursuit of Happiness
Join us for an enlightening symposium on the roles that education plays—and can play—in furthering the pursuit of happiness. Implementing the California Dream Act. Come take part in an ongoing discussion on this controversial topic.
Tue, May 15 | 11:15am | Free | HSS 165
Enjoy a screening of Walk Out, followed by an insightful discussion led by Edward James Olmos.
Wed, May 16 | 7pm | Free | Location TBA
Guest Speaker: Jonathan Mooney
Author/activist with dyslexia who wrote Learning Outside the Lines and The Short Bus is one of the foremost leaders in the field of LD/ADHD, disabilities, and alternative education.
Thu, May 17 | 11:15am | Free | HSS 165
Senator Sheila Kuehl Roundtable:
How Do the Protections of Liberty and Equality Conflict in the Constitution? And How Can We Ever Be Happy?
The question of just how far law can go to protect the happiness of Americans will be discussed in the context of the many conflicts between one person’s happiness and another’s sacrifice.
Thu, May 17 | 7pm | Free | Bundy 123
Closing Remarks
Find out what our surprise guest speaker has to say about trending developments in public policy.
Fri, May 18 | 7pm | Free | SMC Pavilion