Teach-in to explore higher education, economics
Contact: Kathleen Maclay, Media Relations
(510) 643-5651
kmaclay@berkeley.edu
23 September 2009
ATTENTION: Higher education, economics, public finance and political reporters and editors
WHAT
A teach-in led by University of California, Berkeley, economists to explore questions about the decline of California's funding for public higher education, including:
- Why is the economy in the shape it's in?
- Why is the state budget in such dire straits?
- Why is public education important?
- Should people advocate for restored funding for public education?
The teach-in will be held during a special session of a course on macroeconomics led by Martha Olney, adjunct professor of economics. The public is welcome.
WHEN
3:40 - 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24.
WHERE
One Pimentel Hall, on the eastern edge of campus, on University Drive near its intersection with Gayley Road, and due south of Stanley Hall. See campus map
WHO
Professors participating in the event will include:
- Bradford J. DeLong, professor of economics and author of the widely-read blog, "Grasping Reality with Both Hands." He also is a research associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research and served in the Clinton administration as deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Treasury.
- Aaron Edlin, professor of economics and of law, who served as a senior economist with the Council of Economic Advisers in the Clinton White House. He also is an authority on anti-trust economics and law, and has conducted research on college financial aid.
- Martha Olney, adjunct professor of economics, an authority on the Great Depression, and an award-winning teacher of macroeconomics.
- John Quigley, professor of economics and of public policy, who is an authority on housing, labor policy, public finance, urban economics and policy.
DETAILS
Olney says she is devoting the class to exploration of some of the critical issues underlying teach-ins and protests about California's current higher education budget that will be held at UC campuses this Thursday. There will be a brief media opportunity with the professors beginning about 3:25 p.m., and following the class, which will feature questions from students.