The University of Nevada, Reno’s Office of Government and Community Engagement will hold “Week of Democracy” from April 29 to May 3, offering events on campus for students, faculty, staff and the community to discuss the importance of voting, critical issues in the election and more.

During the week, members of the campus and local community will get the chance to hear from state and national journalists as well as state and federal officials about crucial topics related to democracy and the upcoming election.

“Civic engagement is the heartbeat of a thriving democracy and is the bridge that connects individuals to their communities, empowering them with the tools and opportunities to shape the world around them,” Michael Flores, vice president of government and community engagement, said. “At the University of Nevada, Reno, we encourage our campus community to get involved throughout this election year. We will be hosting events throughout the year and are thrilled to have such a great lineup for this ‘Week of Democracy.’”

Democracy at a Crossroads

On May 2 at 5:30 p.m. in Nightingale Hall, The Atlantic in partnership with the University will present “Democracy at a Crossroads.” This event will begin with a panel discussion with Atlantic journalists Elaina Plott Calabro, Adam Harris and Ron Brownstein and contributor Evan Smith about critical election-related issues, including navigating polarization, immigration, higher education, and media and tech. Then, Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar will join Jon Ralston, founder and editor of The Nevada Independent, for a conversation about the importance of free and fair elections.

The Atlantic is an American magazine, which covers news, politics, culture, technology, health and more, through its articles, podcasts, videos and flagship magazine. The news outlet was founded in 1857 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Interested individuals can learn more and register on the “Democracy at a Crossroads” webpage.

Discussions in Democracy

On May 3 at 3 p.m. in the Joe Crowley Student Union Theatre, the University will hold, “Discussions in Democracy,” a conversation featuring U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna and University President Brian Sandoval about voter education, exercising the vote and working across the aisle. The event will be moderated by Ralston.

Congressman Khanna serves the 17th Congressional District of California, located in Silicon Valley, and is currently in his fourth term. He is also part of the House Armed Services Committee as a ranking member on the Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information System, co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, a member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Community Party, and on the Oversight and Accountability Committee, where he previously chaired the Environmental Subcommittee.

He has worked to deliver on legislation to invest in science and technology, create millions of good-paying jobs and revitalize American manufacturing and production. Khanna authored the Endless Frontier Act, which formed the basis for the sweeping CHIPS and Science Act signed by President Biden.

Participants can learn more and register on the “Discussions in Democracy” webpage.