Fairfield University's Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is proud to present the CT Politics & Policy Forum: "Justice Now? In Search of Common Ground on Criminal Justice Reform," a virtual event that will take place on Thursday, April 27 at 8 p.m.

The event promises to be a lively and thought-provoking discussion on criminal justice reforms that the Connecticut State Legislature will be considering during this session. Rev. Charlie Stallworth, DMin, former state representative and MPA faculty member; State Representative Greg Howard (R); and State Senator Herron Gaston (D) will be the panelists for the event.

“This annual forum seeks to highlight current issues affecting the state,” said Gayle Alberda, PhD, associate professor of politics and director of the MPA program. “Since the murder of George Floyd, there is an increase of calls for criminal justice reforms. By hosting a bipartisan discussion on the topic, this event fosters civic engagement and education among policymakers and the public they serve.”

The topic of criminal justice reform has been a hotly debated issue in the United States for years, and Connecticut is no exception. The panelists, moderated by Dr. Alberda, will discuss the current state of criminal justice in the Nutmeg State, the reforms that have been proposed, and the potential impact of those reforms on the state's criminal justice system.

Panelist Dr. Stallworth will bring a unique perspective to the discussion as a former state representative and a member of the MPA faculty at Fairfield. He has a deep understanding of Connecticut politics and policy, and he has been an active voice on criminal justice issues throughout his career.

Additionally, State Representative Greg Howard (R) and State Senator Herron Gaston (D) will bring their experiences in the state legislature to the discussion. They will share their views on criminal justice reform and discuss the policies they believe will be most effective in creating a fair and just system for all.

Registration is open at quickcenter.com for those interested in watching the livestream of the event. Viewers will have the opportunity to hear from experts in the field and to hear a studio audience of Fairfield students and special guests ask questions and engage in dialogue with the panelists.

The event is sponsored by the College of Arts & Sciences and CT Public Media.

Watch a live recording of this event online.