Vital Discussions
Local events address gender-based violence, police brutality and the Constitution.
By Katharine Biele @kathybiele
Constitution Discussion
It seems like everyone's channeling the Founding Fathers these days. At this discussion, you can learn what the U.S. Constitution really says, what it means to us today and how we're using it to justify government actions. University of Utah political science professor Tim Chambless will tell you "What You Should Know About the Constitution" and address First Amendment freedoms, the Electoral College, the presidential pardon power, the roles of the commander-in-chief, and what it takes to get impeached. If you're wondering about any of this, or think you already know the answers, you might be surprised by the truth. Columbus Center of South Salt Lake, 2530 S. 500 East, 801-272-8683, Thursday, Oct. 19, 6-8 p.m., free, bit.ly/lwvslconstitution1
Gender-based violence panel
Trauma from gender-based violence contributes to the mental health issues of women, as an issue paper from the Institute for Women's Policy Research notes. In fact, Utah has the ninth-highest rate for female suicide in the nation. As part of the Women of Color Conversation Series, this panel discussion on Ending Gender-Based Violence coincides with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and hopes to bring the problem out of the shadows. The panel includes Matapuna Levenson of the YWCA Utah's Salt Lake Area Family Justice Center; Carol Surveyor of PANDOS; and Stephany Murguia Vega of the Rape Recovery Center. YWCA of Utah, 322 E. 300 South, 801-537-8604, Thursday, Oct. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m., free, seating limited, bit.ly/2yGPozO
Understanding Police Violence
If you're wondering when police violence is appropriate, you're asking the wrong question. Violence might be a systemic problem, often directed at oppressed peoples, Utah Against Police Brutality says. It's more than beatings and killings. It's more than what you see on body-cam footage and cell phone videos. UAPB is offering "Beyond the Footage: Understanding Police Violence," a discussion on the national day of action against police brutality. Panelists will help you understand what police violence is and how to recognize it. More importantly, you'll learn how to fight against it. The Beehive Social Club, 666 S. State, 801-555-6669, Sunday, Oct. 22, 6-7 p.m., free, bit.ly/2ykN3JA
About The Author
Katharine Biele
A City Weekly contributor since 1992, Katharine Biele is the informed voice behind our Hits & Misses column. When not writing, you can catch her working to empower voters and defend democracy alongside the League of Women Voters.
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