College Seeks Voices for Economic Inequality Discussion

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CORTLAND, NY (10/30/2014)(readMedia)-- SUNY Cortland has been selected as one of 30 campuses from across the country to tackle the Economic Inequality Initiative, a joint effort of the American Democracy Project (ADP) and The Democracy Commitment (TDC) Civic Engagement Action Series.

The Institute for Civic Engagement (ICE) is organizing the College's efforts and is seeking voices to join a community-wide discussion on economic inequality. The goal is to produce materials that can be used by colleges and universities nationwide to weave the topic into course curriculums.

Issues that include student loan debt, a livable hourly wage and poverty will be discussed. Community members are invited to participate, in addition to students, faculty and staff members from both SUNY Cortland and Tompkins Cortland Community College.

"We are seeking a community-wide dialogue on inequality and its impact on the community and civic life," said Richard Kendrick, the director of SUNY Cortland's ICE and a professor of sociology/anthropology.

In addition to economic disparity, topics such as public policy, job opportunity, social mobility and civic engagement will be assessed along with the way those subjects work together. The initiative is expected to take three years to complete.

The 30-school cohort includes both two- and four-year colleges that are ADP and TDC members. Buffalo State is the only other institution from New York state to participate. SUNY Cortland has been involved with the ADP since its inception in 2003.

People who are interested in the project should contact Kendrick at richard.kendrick@cortland.edu or 607-753-2481. For more information, visit the American Association of State Colleges and Universities website.

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