MEDIA ADVISORY

September 25, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Shannon Wingard (614) 247-6821

 

 

Ohio State offers perspective at two Wednesday events

Afghanistan, gay issues are topics of free lectures

The culture of Afghanistan and the struggles faced by gays and lesbians are the topics of two separate events taking place this Wednesday (9/26) on the Ohio State University campus.

            Author Beth Loffreda will discuss the struggles of gays and lesbians in America at 9 a.m. in the Conference Theater at the Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St.  Loffreda, who wrote “Losing Matthew Shepherd: Life and Politics in the Aftermath of Anti-Gay Murder,” is an assistant English professor and adjunct professor of women’s studies at the University of Wyoming.  The event is the first installment of the President and Provost’s Diversity Lecture Series, a component of the university’s Academic Plan.

Later, the Ohio State University Middle East Studies Center will hold an informational panel session titled “Afghanistan: How Much Do We Know?” from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St.

The panel will consist of knowledgeable Ohio State faculty members, some of whom have conducted field studies in Afghanistan. The featured panelists are Alam Payind, director of the Middle East Studies Center and a native of Afghanistan; Margaret Mills, chair of Near Eastern Languages & Cultures; John Greisberger, director of the Office of International Education; and Stephen Dale, professor of history.  Each panelist will offer a short, informal presentation followed by a slide show and question-and-answer period.

Both events are free and open to the public.

   

WHAT:            Two Ohio State presentations on topical issues, including Afghanistan and gay and lesbian struggles.

                         

WHEN:            “Learning from Laramie” – 9 a.m.

                        Panel on Afghanistan – 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

WHERE:            “Learning from Laramie” – Ohio Union Conference Theater, 1739 N. High St.                              

Panel on Afghanistan – Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St.                   

WHY:              To educate the Ohio State and Columbus communities through the expertise of faculty members and other distinguished speakers.                         

 

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