Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at MSU to host Oct. 9 panel discussion on role of policing in society
from MSU News Service
BOZEMAN — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Montana State University, formerly MSU Wonderlust, will host a virtual panel discussion, “Keeping our Community Safe: Perspectives on Policing in the Gallatin Valley,” for its next Friday Forum. The event, which is hosted in partnership with the Bozeman Public Library Foundation, will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9. It is free and open to the public.
A panel of local law enforcement officials and civil liberty advocates will address the increasing demand for an examination of the role police play in today’s society. National events have raised concerns among some about the militarization of police and police behavior, including racial profiling and the excessive use of force. The panel will also discuss the appropriate community response to a range of issues, such as protests, homelessness, domestic violence, mental health crises and substance misuse.
Panelists will include Brian Gootkin, Gallatin County sheriff; Jim Veltkamp, interim police chief, Bozeman Police Department; Judith Heilman, executive director, Montana Racial Equity Project; and SK Rossi, advocacy and policy director, American Civil Liberties Union of Montana.
The discussion will be moderated by Cody Warner, associate professor of sociology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology in the College of Letters and Science at MSU. There will be an opportunity for questions following the discussion.
Advanced registration is required. For more information or to register, visit montana.edu/wonderlust/register. Registrants will receive an email with the Webex link and instructions to join the program.
Friday Forums are a partnership between the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at MSU and the Bozeman Public Library Foundation. OLLI at MSU is a program of Academic Technology and Outreach. ATO works across MSU to support and advance the university’s land-grant mission through unique and innovative opportunities for outreach and engagement. •
