The 30th commemoration of the events of May 4, 1970 presented important opportunities for Kent State University, as a learning community, to reaffirm what can be and has been learned from the past in ways that will help us shape a better future. Kent State s academic community responded to the events of May 4, 1970 with an abiding commitment to scholarship focused on understanding and preventing violence, and on promoting democratic values from civil discourse to social engagement. This commitment, which has been expressed through research, teaching, artistry and community service, led to the creation of the Center for Applied Conflict Management and an interdisciplinary Institute for the Study and Prevention of Violence. And it has led Kent State faculty to share new knowledge about issues from school violence to the dynamics of racial and religious prejudice.
A series of over fifty commemorative activities centered on the theme of “”Experiencing Democracy: Inquire, Learn, Reflect”" were planned for the spring semester 2000 and beyond. Alumni, faculty, staff, students and members of the community joined in observing this milestone commemoration. Events held included the Fifth Annual Violence Symposium which featured leading experts on prejudice and violence, a film “”Journey to a Hate-free Millennium”", and artistic expressions on violence and recovery. Performances by the Lakota Sioux Indian Dance Theatre, the Pontanima Interfaith Choir, Dance Alloy, and School of Music gave artistic expression to the theme. The University and the Cleveland Orchestra commissioned Augusta Read Thomas, composer-in-residence with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to write a large scale work for orchestra, chorus and soprano soloist. Song in Sorrow will be premiered on July 1 by the Cleveland Orchestra and Blossom Festival Chorus. Town and gown joined in many of these events, some of which were held in off campus locations.
A scholarly symposium, The Boundaries of Freedom of Expression and Order in a Democratic Society, on May 1 and 2, was a significant component of our programming. This multi-disciplinary symposium explored the limits of freedom of expression in American society as they apply to business, education, media, law, politics, the Internet and other venues. The symposium included keynote addresses by three First Amendment experts as well as the presentation, discussion and critique of nine scholarly papers selected through an international call for papers. Audiences actively engaged in discussions with the presenters in each session. The papers of the symposium will be published by the Kent State University Press. Kent State plans to host an annual symposium on democratic values as part of its future May 4 observances.
Kent State University strives to honor the past in a manner befitting a major American university; focus world attention on issues related to the basic tenets of our democracy; and show the world that Kent State responded to its greatest tragedy with caring, creativity and commitment.
“”Experiencing Democracy”" web site: http://dept.kent.edu/30yearMay4/home.htm
Committee co-chairs: Dr. Richard A. Bredemeier and Dr. John Jameson
