Feb. 4 Program at UWM Explores 'Understanding School Violence'

MILWAUKEE― Understanding School Violence is the theme of a program on Friday, Feb. 4, that is part of the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Helen Bader School of Social Welfare. The event will be held in the UWM Union, Wisconsin Room, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd.

The program will have two parts. The first part, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., will focuson the work that Rick Lovell and Carl Pope and the Hamilton Fish National Institute have been pursuing in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Schools and the Milwaukee Police Department. The coalition has been working to address issues of school violence and prevention of school violence in Milwaukee.

In addition to UWM researchers, participants include an MPS high school principal, a psychologist with the MPS Office of Violence Prevention, and the director of the MPS Division of Security and Safety. Topics to be discussed include the extension and nature of school violence; research regarding school violence over the past eight years, including projects in Milwaukee; and research findings and how these apply to school violence.

The second part of the program, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., features Colors of Youth, a play featuring a collection of stories that examine many of the challenges faced by youth today—domestic violence, friendship, nicotine addiction, HIV/AIDS, racism, teen parenthood and weight/self esteem. The play is set in an urban community. The young actors who make up the cast have a wide range of experience in professional and amateur productions.

Attendance is free of charge, but an RSVP is requested at carolkoz@uwm.edu or 414-229-4018.

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