George Fox University will host a discussion, "The Future of the 14th Amendment," in commemoration of the life of Cesar Chavez from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 31, in Room 105 of the university’s Hoover Academic Building. The public is invited at no charge.

The event, sponsored by the university’s Center for Peace and Justice, Office of Transitions and Inclusion and Latino Heritage Club, will feature a panel that includes local students and political science experts. They will discuss the implications concerning that section of the 14th Amendment that states, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens."

The purpose of the event is to have dialogue about proposed legislation that seeks to limit the scope of the amendment, according to Joel Perez, dean of transitions and inclusion at George Fox. "We want to encourage attendees to come prepared to ask questions and to learn about this issue as it relates to immigration reform," he said.

Among those expected to participate is Dr. Mark David Hall, the Herbert Hoover Distinguished Professor of Political Science at the university who specializes in American political theory and the relationship between religion and politics. He is the author or coeditor of six books on the American founding era.

Also present will be Dr. Drick Etulin, a professor emeritus of history at the University of New Mexico who specializes in the history and culture of the American West and the modern U.S. He is the author of more than 45 books on American West culture and history.

"As an educational institution we strive to provide opportunities for the campus community and surrounding community to learn about issues that impact our culture," Perez said. "Civil discourse is essential to a democratic society, and we strive to model that on our campus."