Campus Conversations

Given the national attention on Title IX investigations of colleges and universities accused of mishandling sexual assault cases, and legislation introduced to improve Campus Accountability and Safety with regard to sexual violence, this discussion considers the pros and cons of adjudicating sexual assaults on campus or in the criminal court system. Featured discussants are: Stephenie Chaudoir, assistant professor of psychology; Elizabeth Inman '15; Paul Irish, associate dean of students; Terry McLaughlin, a representative from the Worcester County District Attorney's office; and Emily Winn '17. Thomas M. Landy, director of the McFarland Center, moderates the discussion. Co-sponsored with Women's and Gender Studies.

Trigger Warnings provide advance notice about the intent to cover sensitive material (such as sexual violence, suicide, etc.) that may be offensive or traumatic to students who have had personal experience with it. Holy Cross professors discuss if and how they use trigger warnings and how best to make the classroom a safe place for introducing the sometimes emotionally difficult subject matter.

This campus fishbowl discussion considers the ethics and economics of unpaid internships. Are they mutually beneficial for both intern and employer? Or do they take advantage of students and eliminate jobs for others? Is there a negative consequence for students who cannot afford to work for free? How should public policy address this burgeoning, and sometimes manipulative, free labor market? Discussants also offer students practical advice for seeking worthwhile internships and making the most of their experience no matter what route they choose. Discussants include: Pamela Ahearn, Director of the Summer Internship Program; Edward Carey '14; Joshua Congdon-Hohman, Assistant Professor of Economics; Kelly Dyer '14; and Roseann Fitzgerald '78, Director of Research and Prospect Management. Thomas M. Landy, McFarland Center Director, moderates.

This campus fishbowl discussion considers the moral status of Edward Snowden, who is accused of leaking top-secret information on the government's mass surveillance programs. McFarland Center Director Thomas M. Landy moderates a discussion with Holy Cross faculty, staff and students featuring: Bruce Bunke, Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science; Marios Dardos '16; Daniel Klinghard, Associate Professor of Political Science; Constance Royden, Associate Professor of Computer Science; and David Shettler, Information Security Officer.

What do recent legal decision say about the status of minorities in our country? Discussants consider Supreme Court rulings on the Voting Rights Act and Affirmative Action, the federal court decision against the "Stop-Question-Frisk" program in NYC, and the acquittal of George Zimmerman. They also weigh in on the overturning of the provisions in the Defense of Marriage Act and the legalization of same-sex marriage in many new jurisdictions. Issues of immigration and undocumented aliens also arise. Featured participants are Selina Gallo-Cruz, assistant professor of sociology; Greta Kenney, coordinator of Diversity Leadership & Education; Jacob Love '14, who worked on civil rights during his Washington Semester; and Chuck Stanley, associate director for Residence Life & Housing. Thomas M. Landy, director of the McFarland Center, moderates.

This fishbowl-style campus discussion centers on the possible causes of and solutions for preventing the type of gun violence that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. in December 2012. Participants consider interpretations of the Second Amendment and gun control; mental healthcare access and policies; cultural, structural and social influences that contribute to violence; economic solutions to gun violence; and best practices for promoting nonviolence. Featured are Amy Wolfson, professor of psychology and associate dean for faculty scholarship; Alison Smith Mangiero, political science instructor; Lawrence E. Cahoone, professor of philosophy; Miles Cahill, professor of economics and associate health professions adviser; Robert T. Jones, associate director of multicultural education; Marian Blawie '16; and Chris Tota '13. Thomas M. Landy, director of the McFarland Center, moderates.

As a follow-up to Harvard Prof. Randall Kennedy's talk on "The Supreme Court and Affirmative Action," the McFarland Center sponsors a fishbowl-style discussion to consider how the ruling in Fisher v. University of Texas could change life at Holy Cross, and what competing notions of justice affect how we think about the case.