Talking Trump at KPU

Fri, Mar 31, 2017

By KPU Communications

Surrey, B.C.—Dr. Gwynne Dyer and Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) president Dr. Alan Davis are talking Trump.

The Trump Era: Barking up the Wrong Tree is the subject of the next installment of the President’s Dialogue Series, which will see Dyer and Davis discuss the global trend toward nationalism and populism, including the growing prominence of anti-immigration sentiment, as well as the larger implications of the Trump presidency.

A celebrated author, historian and independent journalist, Dyer holds a PhD in Military and Middle Eastern History, has produced several highly acclaimed television series and writes an international affairs column read around the world, from Vancouver, to Dubai, to Japan.

On April 10, he will bring his worldly insights to KPU in an informal, public sit-down conversation with Davis.

“These are important conversations and KPU is proud to be able to provide a forum where local, national and international leaders can engage with our communities,” said Davis.

Trump’s presidency prompted a public response from KPU in January when Trump issued an executive order restricting travel to the United States for 90 days on individuals from seven predominantly Muslim countries. In response, Davis issued a notice to the entire university community assuring that KPU proudly and unabashedly embraces diversity and is steadfastly committed to the values of inclusion and belonging.

Two days after the executive order was issued, six people were killed during an attack on Muslim worshipers at a Quebec mosque. KPU lowered its flags to honour those victims.

“We have a duty to confront the voices of division and discrimination, which run contradictory to our very core values as an academic institution,” said Davis.

The President’s Dialogue Series welcomes leaders to KPU to join in engaging, informative and much-needed discussion. Speakers exemplify the university’s polytechnic vision, and are leaders in the private and public sectors, both locally and globally. The inaugural event, held in 2014, featured NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair.

PRESIDENT’S DIALOGUE SERIES: GWYNNE DYER
WHEN: Monday April 10, 1-3 p.m.
WHERE: Conference Centre, KPU Surrey (12666-72nd Ave.)
INFO: The event is open to the public. Space is limited.
RSVP: presidentsdialogue@kpu.ca or 604-599-2870

More information is available here.

About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca. 

Media contacts: 

Tatiana Tomljanovic
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
tatiana.tomljanovic@kpu.ca

Corry Anderson-Fennell
Manager, Media and Communications
t: 604.599.2840
c: 604.828.5232
corry.anderson-fennell@kpu.ca

For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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