Rural Policy Symposium

2026 Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy Symposium

"Where the Pavement Ends: Addressing the Policy Gap in Rural America"

Friday, February 20, 2026
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
8:30 - 9 a.m. Check-in and breakfast
Green Hall (map and directions)

This year's symposium convenes leading scholars, practitioners and policymakers to examine the structural and legal challenges confronting rural American communities. Speakers will engage issues of agricultural regulation, access to justice, rural healthcare and the governance of land, water and energy resources. Through interdisciplinary dialogue, the symposium seeks to illuminate the policy disparities that shape rural life and to advance equitable, sustainable solutions for America’s rural future.

Registration will open in January.

The symposium is sponsored by the Shook, Hardy & Bacon Center for Excellence in Advocacy.

Schedule

More information coming soon.

Cost

The symposium is free and open to the public, but registration will be required.

Program Accessibility

If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact Debbie Schmidt by February 6 at drschmidt@ku.edu or 785-864-5078, 771 TTY.

Symposium Issue

Scholarship associated with the symposium will be published in a future issue of the Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy.

Questions?

Contact Symposium Hayley Engelland at hayley.engelland@ku.edu.

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