The University College of the Fraser Valley has once again received support from the Leon and Thea Koerner Foundation to present a series of free public lectures. The 2003/04 series examines the role diversity in our society, and the next lecture is Wed., Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. in Abbotsford.

Dr. Martha Dow, a professor in UCFV's Criminology and Criminal Justice department, will speak on the challenges and opportunities inherent in educating for social justice. Dr. Dow will use her anti-homophobia work in the K-to-12 system, the postsecondary system, and broader community as the context for this discussion. In particular, she will use sexuality as an example to explore some of the tensions and possibilities embedded in teaching moments that are characterized by diversity, claims to morality, inequality, and demands for inclusion.

Dr. Dow, who has been teaching at UCFV since 1993, earned her PhD at the University of British Columbia. Before coming to B.C., she lived in Ontario where she had been employed as a correctional officer in a secure custody facility for young offenders. Subsequently, Dr. Dow's teaching and research interests revolve around educating for social justice, safe and healthy schools, and women in prison.

The lecture will be held in Room B101 at the UCFV Abbotsford campus, and everyone is welcome to attend. Admission is free.

Dr. Dow's lecture will be the fourth in this year's series, which began in September with the appearance of acclaimed Ojibway playwright Drew Hayden Taylor. In October, large audiences came to hear speeches by former premier Ujjal Dosanjh, and author and radio personality Dr. Andreas Schroeder.

After Dr. Dow's speech on Wednesday, which is entitled 'Educating for Citizenship: communicating across our differences, transforming our communities,' there will be two more lectures in the free series.

Dr. T. Alfred, Canada Research Chair for Indigenous Government at the University of Victoria, will speak in February on ways that Native communities can return to their traditional political values to educate a generation of future leaders committed to preserving indigenous nationhood.

In March, Satwinder Bains, Executive Director of the Abbotsford Association for Healthy Aging and a member of the UCFV Board of Governors, will facilitate a discussion on diversity from a woman's perspective.

For information on the lecture series, visit www.ucfv.ca/lectures

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