NDSU’s Office of Multicultural Programs is set to host a panel discussion to celebrate a writing by Martin Luther King Jr.

“The Purpose of Education: Reflections on an Essay Written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” is scheduled Thursday, Jan. 12, at 3 p.m. in the Memorial Union’s Prairie Rose room. It is free and open to the public.

Scheduled panelists include Philip Hunt, NDSU registrar; student Christen Doe, Student Voice Project member; and Larry Napoleon, associate professor of education.

King’s essay, “The Purpose of Education,” was written when he was an undergraduate student at Morehouse College.

“The discussion will focus on the purpose of education, from King’s point of view, given the historical context at the time it was written. The panel will weigh if King’s words remain true considering society’s current changing needs,” said Kaelen Napoleon, Office of Multicultural Programs’ diversity and inclusion coordinator. “I believe this panel discussion to be unique as the panelists will reflect on King’s thinking at 18 years of age. Considering this event takes place at the start of the semester, I think it would be a timely discussion and the perfect time to reflect on how our work at NDSU may align with King’s beliefs. Having said that, I really hope my fellow colleagues across campus will make an effort to attend this event to celebrate the holiday.”

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