Baker School Announces Slate of Fall Events
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – The Howard H. Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs (Baker School) has framed its fall public programming around the November 5, presidential election, encouraging the University of Tennessee community to Get Informed. Get Engaged. Vote.
The programming includes three public events aimed at exploring important topics that will be impacted by the election results, including the Supreme Court, the economy and foreign policy.
Supreme Court in Focus. The Institution of American Civics (IAC) will welcome American political scientist and legal scholar Keith Whittington at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, in the Student Union (room 180) to celebrate Constitution Day. The Roberts Court has given new prominence to theories of original meaning as guides for interpreting the Constitution. The lecture will explore what is constitution originalism; how justices and judges use it; and what it could mean for the future of American democracy. Whittington is the David Boies Professor of Law at Yale Law School. His teaching and scholarship span American constitutional theory, American political and constitutional history, judicial politics, the presidency, free speech and the law. You can register for the event here.
Economics in Focus. From trade policy to immigration to the national debt, the 2024 presidential campaigns will focus on selling their vision of economic policy to the American people. The Baker School and the Haslam College of Business will host a debate between Michael Strain and Matt Yglesias at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25 in the Toyota Auditorium. Strain, director of economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, and independent blogger Yglesias will explore whether the choices on the ballot this fall can deliver the economic prosperity and security Americans are asking for. You can register for the event here.
Foreign Policy in Focus. The Baker School and The Brookings Institution will investigate “The Future of America’s International Alliances and Partnerships” at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 14 in the Student Union (room 272). The program includes a fireside chat with former U.S. Senator Bob Corker in conversation with Brookings Vice President Suzane Maloney and Baker School Professor Krista Wiegand. The speakers will offer perspectives on America’s role in the world. Following the fireside chat, an expert panel will continue the discussion to consider how best to work with partners and allies to manage global challenges. You can register for the event here.
In addition to its fall events, the Baker School and the IAC will hold voter registration events and be a polling place on election day. UT Student Government Association and the University of Florida Student Government Association have challenged each other to a voter engagement competition in the weeks leading up to the November 5 federal election. UT and UF will compete over which school can get the most people to complete the voter registration and election reminder process. You can learn more at volsvote.utk.edu.