SMC Public Policy Institute Presents 2026 Spring Symposium May 17-21

SMC Public Policy Institute Presents 2026 Spring Symposium May 17-21

Symposium Theme: “Reimagining Our Democracy: For Us, by Us”

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute (PPI) will present the 2026 PPI Spring Symposium May 17-21. The theme for this year’s community discussion is “Reimagining Our Democracy: For Us, by Us.” Symposium activities will include dramatic readings of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, a featured talk by renowned Harvard University Professor Danielle Allen, a debate on patriotism moderated by SMC Philosophy instructor Dr. Paul Klumpe, and a screening of the documentary “The Librarians,” followed by an audience Q&A.

All symposium events are free and open to the public, and unless otherwise noted below, most events are held on the SMC Main Campus at 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Free parking is available on the third floor of SMC parking structure 4, accessible through the campus entrance at 17th Street and Pico Blvd. All symposium events are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

“This year’s symposium comes at a particularly relevant time,” said PPI co-director and SMC adjunct professor Shari Davis. “We look forward to learning from our speakers about how the Constitution was designed to ensure checks and balances as we see many policy changes being made this year.”

The 2026 PPI Spring Symposium events include:

• Sunday, May 17, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Dramatic Readings of the U.S. Declaration of Independence — SMC students and others step up on the 3rd Street Promenade (near Barnes & Noble) to read aloud the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Free. 1318 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica.
• Monday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m.: Born in the USA: Debating Patriotism at America's Semiquincentennial — SMC Philosophy Club students argue their views in a lively debate on patriotism, moderated by SMC Philosophy instructor Dr. Paul Klumpe. Free. SMC Student Services Center Orientation Hall (SSC 183), SMC Main Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.
• Tuesday, May 19, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Dramatic Readings of the U.S. Declaration of Independence — SMC students and others step up at the historic SMC Clock Tower to read aloud the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Free. SMC Clock Tower, SMC Main Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.
• Wednesday, May 20, at 6:45 p.m.: “Reimagining Democracy at 250: Education, Equity, and the Future of Citizenship” — Featured Speaker: Dr. Danielle Allen, James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University. Dr. Allen, author of “Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality,” will present an informative talk on how equality is essential for freedom. She is Director of both the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Democratic Knowledge Project-Learn, a research lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education focused on civic education. Allen is a professor of political philosophy, ethics, and public policy, as well as a seasoned nonprofit leader, democracy advocate, tech ethicist, distinguished author, and mom. She is a contributing columnist at The Atlantic magazine and was the 2020 winner of the Library of Congress’ Kluge Prize, which recognizes scholarly achievement in the disciplines not covered by the Nobel Prize. She received the Prize “for her internationally recognized scholarship in political theory and her commitment to improving democratic practice and civics education.” Free. SMC Student Services Center Orientation Hall (SSC 183), SMC Main Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.
• Thursday, May 21, at 6 p.m.: On the Front Lines of Democracy: “The Librarians” Film Screening and Discussion: The SMC Public Policy Institute will host a screening of “The Librarians,” a documentary on protecting intellectual freedom, followed by a panel discussion on democratic values, civic action, and the vital role of libraries. Runtime: 92 mins. Free. SMC Student Services Center Orientation Hall (SSC 183), SMC Main Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.

Accommodation for Disability: Guests who need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in any of these events should send email to dsps@smc.edu or call 310-434-4173, at least 5 business days in advance.

The SMC Public Policy Institute provides nonpartisan community programs exploring key economic, social, and political issues. The 2026 PPI Spring Symposium marks the 15th anniversary of the popular community discussion. Santa Monica College offers an Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement in public policy, and students can specialize in one of five public policy areas: arts and cultural affairs, education, environment and sustainability, public health, and urban/socioeconomic issues.

The SMC Public Policy Institute Spring Symposium is co-sponsored by the Associated Students of Santa Monica College, SMMUSD, City of Santa Monica, SMC Associates, and a wide range of education, government, and community organizations and donors.

More information is available at smc.edu/ppi or by calling 310-434-3541.

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