The Civil Discourse and Social Change initiative kicked off the semester with a lecture commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  The Rev. James Lawson spoke about his work with King, and the admiration he had for him. “Its an important day.  We should celebrate it as the second American Revolution day,” Lawson said, referring to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is celebrated on the third Monday every January. Lawson briefly described why he has such strong feelings about equality… Read more

When Jonnae Thompson woke up on the morning of March 4, 2010, she didn’t know how, but she knew her life was about to change. “I woke up that morning with my mind focused on educational freedom,” said the 23-year-old English major.  “At the time I did not realize that a mind set on freedom would lead to myself, along with four other (students) being arrested.” Thompson and four other CSUN students were arrested during their participation in the Day… Read more

The Rev. James Lawson championed non-violent action for CSUN’s Civil Discourse & Social Change program Monday night in Manzanita Hall.  Held before a full house in the Armer Theater, this was the first in a series of eight lectures and workshops to be given by Lawson this semester. A student of Ghandi’s tactics and lifelong activist, Lawson said non-violence is an emerging science for how social justice and social change can take place.  He said he hopes to give students… Read more

The Rev. James Lawson will be giving four public lectures this fall and spring, on the subject of “Civil Discourse and Social Change.” Marta Lopez-Garza, coordinator of the Civil Discourse and Social Change program, said people often hear about Martin Luther King Jr. but not about the people around him. “One man does not make a social movement,” Lopez-Garza said. “Among his leading strategists, particularly for the nonviolence and civil disobedience part, was the Rev. James Lawson.” Kathryn Sorrel, a… Read more

Harrison Leonard Contributing columnist I do not support same-sex marriage. This may come as quite a shock to CSUN students, many of who are likely unaware that a real live traditionalist walks among them. I am concerned that the bulk of the arguments you have heard in opposition to same-sex marriage are made in the context of religious conviction. I understand why irreligious people may be unconvinced by theological reasoning. Here, then, are seven non-religious, apolitical thoughts about same-sex marriage…. Read more

Yesterday students gathered outside of the Oviatt Library to raise awareness about the Deaf community and audism. Audism is “the hearing way of dominating, restructuring, and exercising authority over the Deaf community.” Students and faculty got together to inform the CSUN community of the deaf culture around the world and that American Sign Language (ASL) should be treated as any other language. The overall attitude of those that gathered was hopeful that the Deaf community will be treated and understood… Read more