KU disinformation and democracy series resumes in spring 2023

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas collaborative series that centers misinformation, disinformation and the wellness of democracy will continue in the spring 2023 semester.

Led by Najarian Peters, associate professor of law and faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School; Patricia Weems Gaston, Lacy C. Haynes Professor of Journalism; and Emily Ryan, director of The Commons, the series will offer additional opportunities to learn about the roots of misinformation, realms in which it has taken root and ways to combat it. These topics will be explored in cohesion with a focus on wellness — of ourselves and the institutions that provide the support for our democracy.

The series, which elevated topics such as the “Historical Foundations of Misinformation and Disinformation” and “W.E.B. DuBois’ Approach to Misinformation,” will resume at 7 p.m. Jan. 25 with a closer look at the importance of local journalism to thwart misinformation efforts. It will feature Gaston, a Pulitzer Prize winner and a former editor at The Washington Post, in conversation with Mackenzie Clark, founder of The Lawrence Times, Mike Semel, local editor of The Washington Post, and Reggie Hubbard, founder and chief serving officer of Active Peace Yoga.

Subsequent sessions will center the topics of gender identity and the visceral threat of misinformation and disinformation, climate denialism, and extremism and domestic terrorism.

Events will run 75 minutes each, with time dedicated to intentional breathwork.

Events in this series are supported and presented by The Commons, the School of Law, the William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communication and the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.