Broward College to Kick-Off 2019-2020 Open Forum Debate Series with Reception

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Sept. 16, 2019– Broward College will kick-off its 2019-2020 Village Square season, a series of non-partisan discussions featuring community leaders with a membership recruitment reception 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, at Good Spirits Fifth & Fed, in Fort Lauderdale.

The Village Square, presented by Broward College in conjunction with the Community Foundation of Broward, is an annual series that provides the public with a safe, comfortable forum to debate diverse issues of local, state, and national importance. Discussions feature community representatives and topic experts of divergent viewpoints.

"An educated public is the pillar of an effectively functioning democracy," said Broward College President Gregory Adam Haile, Esq. "Broward College is committed to providing a platform for civil, respectful, and informative discussions on issues of importance to our community. We are excited to present this year's schedule and the recommendations and actions that they may produce."

The 2019-2020 season begins with a discussion on "The Politics of Counting: Fear, Fairness & Partnerships around the 2020 Census," 6:45-8:30 p.m., Oct. 23, at the Funky Buddha Brewery, in Oakland Park, Fl. The open forum will focus on the controversy centered on citizenship questions, participation, and the ramifications of federal funding and restructured voting districts. Additional topics planned for later in the year include "Ready or Not, Here Growth Comes" on Feb. 26, 2020; and a debate on the allocation of State funding in Florida on April 15, 2020.

All Village Square events, hosted at the Funky Buddha Brewery at 1201 NE 38th Street, in Oakland Park, include dinner during the discussions. Tickets range from $35-$45 for pre-registered guests.

A $68 membership not only helps support Village Square events but includes invitations as well for a member and guest to attend all pre-dinner speaker receptions hosted by the Village Square Advisory Board. Membership does not include the price of dinner. Pre-Dinner receptions, from 6-6:45 p.m., are followed by Dinner at the Square, 7-8:30 p.m.

ABOUT BROWARD COLLEGE

Serving approximately 56,000 students annually, Broward College provides residents with certificate programs, two-year university-transfer degrees, two-year career degrees, and baccalaureate degrees in selected programs. The mission of the College is to provide high-quality educational programs and services that are affordable and accessible to a diverse community of learners. For more information, visit www.broward.edu.