Wellness in Our Democracy

These sessions are designed to address the ways in which systems perpetuate the spread of misinformation and disinformation, especially as they stem from dominant narratives in American society. These ongoing University of Kansas events, which uplift research and a culture of responsive care, will connect teachers, students, scholars, and leaders with the tools that can better help us navigate these perilous times. Series created and designed by Najarian R. Peters, Associate Professor of Law, Patricia Weems Gaston, Lacy C. Haynes Professor of Journalism, and Emily Ryan, Director of The Commons.

2024-2025

Chris Crandall
Professor of Psychology

Sayvon Foster
Assistant Professor of Health, Sport, &  Exercise Science & Director of the Sport  Experience at Special Mission Institutions Research Laboratory University of Kansas

2023-2024

David Roediger, Foundation Distinguished Professor of History and American Studies
Shawn Alexander, professor of African & African-American studies and director of the Langston Hughes Center

AD Boynton, II, PhD Candidate, English, KU
Paul Scott, Professor of French/Affiliate Faculty – Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction

 

Lucas Bessire, author and anthropologist 

Allison Kite, reporter, Kansas Reflector

2022-2023 Events

Jonas Kaiser, assistant professor at Suffolk University and faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University
Paul Cope, director of KU’s Master of Science in Homeland Security: Law and Policy Program and judge advocate in the Kansas Army National Guard

Lori Arguelles, director of strategic communications for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Trevor Lies, doctoral student in psychology

Katie Batza, Associate Professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, KU
Sarah Deer, University Distinguished Professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Indigenous Studies Program, School of Law, KU

Mackenzie  Clark, Reporter and Founder, The Lawrence Times
Mike Semel, Local Editor, The Washington Post

Randal Jelks, Professor of African and African-American Studies, American Studies, KU
Shawn Alexander, Professor and Chair of African and African-American Studies, KU

Randal Jelks, Professor of African and African-American Studies, American Studies, KU
Nishani Frazier, Director of Museum Studies Program, Assistant Professor of History and American Studies, KU

Patricia Weems Gaston, Lacy C Haynes Professor of Journalism, KU
Reginald Hubbard, Founder and Chief Serving Officer, Active Peace Yoga