Public discussion asks 'Should we allow refugees into the United States?'

With refugee issues and immigration at the top of national concern, the Center for the Study of Citizenship offers an open forum for unscripted public discussion of immigration and refugee resettlement to take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Wayne State University Student Center, 5221 Gullen Mall in Detroit.

Part of a series of community dialogues designed to give a forum for civil discourse on important public issues, the event will feature brief position statements from experts who support and who oppose refugee resettlement in the U.S., and then will shift to facilitated table dialogue that allows all participants to share their visions and concerns.

The Center for the Study of Citizenship recognizes that community members often feel that their voices cannot be heard in national conversations on important issues. Many citizens also express frustration that civility has vanished in a hyper-partisan world. The series of Community Dialogues being offered by the Center attempts to reintroduce civil discourse that allows for caring conversation and careful listening on hot-button issues.

The Feb. 23 dialogue on refugee issues will be held in the Hilberry Rooms A and B on the second floor of the Student Center Building. Admission is $5, or with student I.D. $2. Paid secure parking is available in nearby university parking structures on Anthony Wayne Drive, and metered street parking is also available. Wayne State University structures and buildings are handicap accessible.

For additional ionformation, email citizenship@wayne.edu. To register online, visit https://events.wayne.edu/2017/02/23/citizen-dialogue-refugee-resettlement-70508/.

The Center for the Study of Citizenship at Wayne State University encourages analysis of the relationship between citizens and the political, social, economic, and cultural communities of which they are a part.

Published: Tue, Feb 14, 2017