SCC to host Ferguson panel discussion

Published: 09/30/2014

“Many are hungry to learn more about the issues surrounding the shooting and protests,” said Paul Roesler, SCC professor of political science. “Ferguson is only 23 miles from SCC, yet the issues are reflective of national problems.”

Panelists include:

Grace Moser, SCC assistant professor of history
Moser will discuss the history of Ferguson and how racial tension in Ferguson was created by policies created in the late 19^th century and throughout the 20^th century of St. Louis.

Vicky Herbel, SCC professor of sociology
Herbel will explain the sociological concepts of Collective Behavior and an Acting Crowd and how the events of Ferguson can give us insight into how people react and respond collectively.

Michael Kuelker, SCC professor of English
Kuelker will discuss Ferguson as a rallying point for a new civil rights movement, including the objectives of the movement and the role of alternative media in these efforts.

Marvin Tobias, SCC associate professor of psychology
Tobias will focus on the identity of African-Americans in low-income areas and the role that implicit prejudices have played in some of the unrest. 

Paul Roesler, SCC professor of political science
Roesler will moderate the panel and also explain some of the legal issues surrounding the case, including the grand jury process. 

“Our main goal is education,” said Roesler. “While there is dispute about what happened in the actual shooting, we can learn a lot about why the shooting caused such anger.”

Time will be allotted for questions and discussion.

For more information on the Ferguson panel discussion, contact Paul Roesler at 636-922-8265 or email him at proesler@stchas.edu. 

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit stchas.edu.