The Democracy Commitment (TDC) committee at Moraine Valley Community College has planned several virtual fall events around important social and electoral issues. All events will be held via WebEx and are open to anyone.
“Democracy doesn’t take a timeout when life gets tough. We, simultaneously, are living through a pandemic, the highest unemployment in generations and widespread social unrest, so I think it’s become much more tangible that what government does or doesn’t do really matters. I think it matters more now than ever to improve civic literacy and citizen participation,” said Kevin Navratil, associate professor of political science and Moraine Valley’s Democracy Commitment coordinator.
This semester the programming is focused on election-related events, as only one out of every eight semesters has a presidential election.
“Additionally, many have argued this is one of the most important elections in generations, so I wanted to have events that explained the Electoral College and key races in the 2020 election, and to consider the potential implications of this election on both domestic and foreign policy,” Navratil said.
TDC events will be:
- A History of Epidemics and the Government’s Response
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m.-noon
With concern over the COVID-19 pandemic dominating society, political science and history faculty members will discuss how the U.S. has grappled with past disease outbreaks such as Yellow Fever and Spanish Flu, how Americans coped and how governments sought to combat the threats of disease. - The Electoral College: How It Works and Should It Be Updated?
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Navratil will discuss why the Electoral College was created, the process of electing the president, and benefits and drawbacks of this electoral system versus electing the president by a nationwide popular vote. - 2020 Election Panel
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Political science professors will discuss the 2020 presidential, House and Senate races, and the Graduated Income Tax Amendment. - 2020 Election Analysis
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Political science professors will discuss the implications of the 2020 results on domestic and foreign policy.
Navratil plans to have the chat function open during the virtual events to field questions and allow for healthy and safe discussions with attendees.
