Educator, author, rights activist Jonathan Kozol to speak at Wayne State University Friday, Sept. 26

Controversial and outspoken educator Jonathan Kozol will speak at Wayne State University's Community Arts Auditorium Friday, Sept. 26, 9:30 a.m., on the topic "Still Separate, Still Unequal: A Teacher's Struggle to Transform Our Public Schools." A brief audience Q&A session will follow the speech, and there will be a book-signing session after the formal program.

The presentation is part of the university's ongoing Forum on Contemporary Issues in Society (FOCIS) series, which promotes public discussion of important current-day issues. Admission is free but advance registration is required. (Visit www.focis.wayne.edu or call 313-577-5550.) Seating in the auditorium will be on a first-come basis. Additional seating will be available in other areas of the building equipped with video monitors.

Kozol, who has written several books drawing on his experiences as a teacher, researcher and consultant, has long crusaded for equal access to quality public education for children of all racial and economic backgrounds. He points to low graduation rates, particularly in major cities, poor performance on standardized tests and the proliferation of charter schools as evidence that the public education system is failing in its mission to properly educate students. He strongly advocates integrated public education and criticizes the voucher system.

Among Kozol's many books are the best-sellers The Shame of the Nation, an expose of conditions he observed while visiting dozens of schools in several states, and Savage Inequalities, which explores the extremes of wealth and poverty in the nation's public schools. In his most recent work, Letters to a Young Teacher, he draws upon decades of experience in the public schools as he offers advice to a first grade teacher at an inner-city school.

He graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University, earned a degree in English literature and was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship. He is deeply committed to social justice efforts, and one of his books focuses on the tragedy of homeless families in America.

Hilary Ratner, WSU vice president for research, will deliver welcoming remarks at the session. Community Arts Auditorium is located on Reuther Mall at Cass Avenue on the WSU campus.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 12 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students.