Rice hosts ‘Democracy in America’ panel

Rice students, staff and faculty attended a Nov. 17 panel hosted by Rice University’s Center for Civic Leadership and Department of Political Science. The panel, which intended to provide an intellectual framework for understanding and processing the presidential election, was facilitated by Ashley Leeds, Melissa Marschall, Lyn Ragsdale, Paul Brace and Bob Stein from the Department of Political Science, Betsy Barre from the Department of Religion and Caroline Quenemoen from the Center for Civic Leadership.

The panelists discussed the co-existence of democracy and minority rights, American democratic institutions and constraints on the presidency and the context in which the 2016 election fits. In addition, community partners including Mi Familia Vota, Amaanah Refugee Services, Planned Parenthood and League of Women Voters attended to provide information about local opportunities for engagement and political action. (Photo by Center for Civic Leadership staff.)