Two University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa public events this week will look at civil liberties in separate ways—one celebrating International Day of Peace and Constitution Day, and the other examining the violence in Charlottesville as part of a broader look at racism, critical race theory and civil rights.
Critical race theory lecture
William S. Richardson School of Law Professor, Mari J. Matsuda will apply critical race theory to recent events in Charlottesville, as well as the rise of neo-Nazism, and discuss a Supreme Court decision that impacts both. Her lecture, “Burning crosses and the intersectional feminist subjective: A critical race theorist responds to Charlottesville and the R.A.V. case lecture” is Wednesday, September 13, 12–1:15 p.m. at Burns Hall 2118.
Matsuda is one of the legal scholars who developed the concept of critical race theory, which examines power structures through the lens of racism engrained in American society. It also looks at legal theory through the eyes of racial minorities or “outsiders,” groups left out of decision-making and the power structure.
International Day of Peace and Constitution Day panel discussion
To celebrate International Day of Peace and Constitution Day, the William S. Richardson School of Law and the Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution are sponsoring a panel discussion that considers Hawaiʻi’s commitment to environmental protection and civil liberties. The event is on Thursday, September 14, 3:30–5:30 p.m. in Classroom 2 at the School of Law.
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Associate Justice Sabrina S. McKenna is the keynote speaker, and Professor Matsuda will offer opening remarks on the theme—Sanctuary, civility and aloha: How will we respond as educators?
UH Mānoa doctoral student Borjana Lubura will speak about the European migration crisis in Serbia. Aloha Immigration attorney Clare Hanusz ’99 is moderator.
The discussion will also include Professors Tamara Albertini and Ibrahim Aoude; Dean Jon Osorio; Konrad Ng; and Hakim Ouansafi.
For more information, visit the William S. Richardson School of Law website.
—By Beverly Creamer
