Speak Up Speak Out forum takes place at 7 p.m. today in the Bovee UC Auditorium

How does the role of race and gender affect the 2010 elections?

That is the subject of a Speak Up, Speak Out panel forum, “How Do Race and Gender Figure in the New Political Landscape?” from 7 to 9:30 p.m. today in the Bovee University Center Auditorium.

The discussion also will focus on how issues related to race and gender affect the way people think about health care reform, the economy and other domestic issues.

Ulana Klymyshyn, director of the Multicultural Program, is moderating the forum and said it was established for two reasons.

“The main reason is to give students an opportunity for civic engagement through a discussion of current events,” she said. “Also, just to provide some information and background on current events.”

The panelists include Bloomfield Hills senior Jasmine Crossland; philosophy and religion professor Roger Hatch; Joyce Henricks, an emerita associate professor of philosophy and religion; and Robert Newby, an emeritus professor of sociology, anthropology and social work.

About SUSO

The Speak Up, Speak Out panel includes students and faculty who try to represent both sides of the issue.

Klymyshyn said the topics discussed in the forums are often based on student responses to questionnaires handed out. The events start out with video clips related to the topic, and then four or five panelists speak for about five minutes each, she said.

She said the forum is a “counterbalance” to the opinionated coverage of current events in TV, radio and newspapers, Klymyshyn said.

“Students should go to see what an informed discussion can look like,” she said.

Klymyshyn said the discussion then opens up to the audience for questions and comments.

“I really hope that students leave the forum with a better understanding of gender and racial issues in the current situation,” she said.

Meet the panelists

Crossland, president of the CMU chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said she became a panelist because she wanted to give her perspective on race and gender in politics.

Crossland said students should attend because the issues affect everyone. She will talk about how race and gender issues affect college students and young adults.

She said these issues are “very prevalent” at this time and will play a role in upcoming elections.

“It’s totally different than it was 10 years ago,” she said.

Merlyn Mowrey, the chair of the organizing committee for Speak Up, Speak Out and associate professor of philosophy and religion, said the forums help students learn about people with different backgrounds and opinions.

“It’s helping to connect education to the real world,” she said.

The organizing committee will also announce an essay contest on Wednesday in honor of the 10th anniversary of Speak Up, Speak Out, Mowrey said.