The Leon S. Peters Ethics Lecture Series began its fall semester line-up with “Constitution Day: A Dialogue for Democracy” from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 16, in North Gym 118.

Topics are free speech, American values, civility and opportunities for civic action. Confirmed speakers include:

  • Selena Farnesi, assistant district attorney, City of Fresno
  • H Spees, director of strategic initiatives, City of Fresno
  • Joaquin Arambula, assemblyman for California’s 31st District
  • Student and youth leaders

This event is co-sponsored with Fresno County Civic Learning Partnership, Fresno County Office of Education and community partners.

Remaining lectures in the series this semester include:

  • “Paper Lanterns” film and discussion — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, Peters Auditorium, Student Rec Center. A film, by Barry Frechette, about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The aftermath is recounted by witnesses and survivors. This screening and discussion are offered in honor of World Peace Day. With discussant Chad Cannon. Cosponsored with CineCulture
  • “Managing Envy,” byChristopher Sterling — 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, Alice Peters Auditorium (UBC, Peters 191). A discussion of the role of envy in the workplace by Christopher Sterling, a Fresno State professor in the Department of Management. Professor Sterling’s research focuses on the challenge of dealing with emotions at work, including disruptive emotions such as envy. Cosponsored by the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
  • Ethics, Theology, and the Reformation at 500— 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, North Gym 118. In 1517 Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church house door. The Protestant Reformation followed, along with the development of secularism, the rise of modern nation-states and the development of the idea of religious toleration. Panelists — including historians and clergy — will discuss this 500-year legacy. Cosponsored with St. Paul Newman Center.
  • “The Color of Law,” by Richard Rothstein — 7-9 p.m. Nov. 9, North Gym 118. Richard Rothstein’s recent book, “The Color of Law,” examines how segregation in America is the byproduct of explicit government policies at the local, state and federal levels. Rothstein works with the Economic Policy Institute, the Thurgood Marshall Institute of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy at the UC Berkeley School of Law. Cosponsored with Central Valley Health Policy Institute, the Fresno Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability and National Lawyers Guild.
  • The Rule of Law and Legal Ethics — 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, North Gym 118. This seminar and networking event for students who are interested in the legal field, criminology and law school will focus on the issue of how the rule of law in a democratic society depends upon the ethical commitments of legal professionals working in an adversarial system. The panel will discuss legal ethics and case studies. Panelists will include federal prosecutors, defense attorneys, members of the judiciary, as well as Professor Tina Fernandes Botts from the Department of Philosophy. Cosponsored by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Criminology.
  • Women’s Rights are Human Rights — 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 9, North Gym 118. In commemoration of Human Rights Day, this series of panels and lectures will consider the importance of women’s rights. Speakers will include Carol Goldsmith, president of Fresno City College; Francine Oputa, of Fresno State’s Cross Cultural and Gender Center; Patsy Montgomery, of Planned Parenthood; Nicole Linder, from the Marjaree Mason Center; and others to be announced. Cosponsored with Human Rights Coalition of Central California.

Events are free and open to the public, thanks to sponsorship from the Leon S. Peters Foundation.

The Ethics Center values your support. You can donate or get involved through the website.  For more information contact Dr. Andrew Fiala, Ethics Center director, at afiala@csufresno.edu or 559.278.2124.