Public Policy Institute

SMC Public Policy Institute 2025 Spring Symposium

 

Courting Danger: Will America's Judicial System Uphold the Constitution?

May 12 – 15, 2025

In collaboration with SMC Public Policy Institute, SMMUSD, and the SMC Associated Students.

All events are free and open to the public.

Courting Danger: Will America's Judicial System Uphold the Constitution?

The Imperial Presidency vs the Noble Court: The Arm Wrestling Event of the Century

Monday, May 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m

Featured Speakers: Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law and Sheila Kuehl, Founder, SMC Public Policy Institute.

Santa Monica College Student Services Center Orientation Hall | SSC 183

Unilateral Authority? Examining the Constitutionality of Executive Orders

Tuesday, May 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Dr. Richard Amir Tahvildaran-Jesswein, Professor Political Science, Santa Monica College, Co-Director, Public Policy Institute, Santa Monica College.

Santa Monica College Student Services Center Orientation Hall | SSC 183

Get to Know SMC's Law Pathway Program

Wednesday, May 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m

Meet alumni and current students pursuing degrees and careers in the legal profession and how SMC can provide unique opportunities.

Santa Monica College Student Services Center Orientation Hall | SSC 183

Town Hall: Power to the People

Thursday, May 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m

Special Guest Speakers to be announced. Join the in-person Town Hall to ask questions, express your opin-ions, share emotions, and develop ideas for action. It's up to us to protect democracy!

Santa Monica College Student Services Center Orientation Hall | SSC 183


Accommodations

If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in any of these events, please contact Kiersten Elliott at Elliott_Kiersten@smc.edu or 310-434-4173, at least 5 business days in advance.

About the Public Policy Institute

The Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute provides nonpartisan community programs exploring key economic, social, and political issues. The Institute—which presents informative discussions on the policy issues that affect our daily lives—proudly offers an Associate in Arts degree and a Certificate of Achievement in Public Policy. Students can choose to specialize in one of five policy areas: arts and cultural affairs, education, environment and sustainability, public health, and urban/socioeconomic affairs. Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, Co-Director, and Founding Associate Director; Shari Davis, MPP, Co-Director. To view past events, visit PPI Past Events (opens in new window) .