NCA Forum Presents: A Town Hall on the Politics of NCA

Session Submission Type: Panel Discussion

Abstract

NCA members have had many conversations concerning the nature of our organization and its role in contemporary political affairs. While some of these conversations are recent, like the Manchester Hyatt controversy and the resolution against torture, some date back decades, as seen in the discussion about boycotting states that did not support the Equal Rights Amendment.

In response to these questions, the NCA Forum is hosting this town hall forum to address the broader issue of if, when, and how the NCA should take a stand on political issues. What does it mean to take a stand? How should a stand be made? Whose interests should be represented? This town hall will include a historical overview of the political controversies confronting NCA members, caucuses designed to generate arguments for and against NCA’s taking-a-stand, and larger group discussion. Our goal is to ventilate and clarify the various positions and to produce a rousing and meaningful discussion. NCA member communities will be encouraged to send representatives; all NCA members are invited to attend.

Sub Unit

• NCA Forum

Chairs

• Stephen Hartnett, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

• Gordon Mitchell, Univ of Pittsburgh

• Lisa Keranen, University of Colorado, Boulder

• Martin Carcasson, Colorado State University

• Dawn O. Braithwaite, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

• Greg Dickinson, Colorado State University

• J. Michael Hogan, Penn State University

Session Organizer

• Lisa Keranen, University of Colorado, Boulder