The Wayne Morse Center of Law and Politics will host two scholars this year, furthering the vision of Oregon’s famous political leader and former dean of the University’s School of Law.
A giant on the American political scene from the 1940s through the 1960s, Sen. Wayne Morse is remembered for his distinguished career that included leadership in labor legislation, civil rights, education (he was instrumental in establishing Head Start) and his stance against the Vietnam War at a time when Oregonians overwhelmingly supported America’s involvement.
He lost his senate seat in 1968 to Bob Packwood and died in Eugene in 1974.
The Center will host Richard Falk, professor emeritus of international law at Princeton, as this year’s Morse Distinguished Speaker in November. Author of the book “The Great Terror War,” which considers the American response to Sept. 11, 2001, he has also served on numerous international human rights commissions.
Neil Smith — an anthropology and geography professor, and director of the Center for Place, Culture, and Politics at the Graduate Center, City University of New York — will serve as the Morse Chair Professor this year, spending five weeks on campus during winter term. Smith recently wrote a book, “American Empire,” which describes the war on terrorism as a masquerade for what he says “is actually a war devoted to the completion of the geo-economic globalism of the American Empire.”
The Wayne Morse Law Center’s 2003-04 theme is “The Changing Geopolitical Order: Implications for Peace & Stability.” Professors Falk and Smith join an elite group of distinguished scholars who have had the honor to participate in this unique program. Sen. Morse encouraged young people to get involved in politics, often telling them, “I don’t think you have any idea how much power you wield in your own government.”
And Caroline Forell, interim director of the center, couldn’t be more pleased with this year’s agenda.
“I believe Senator Morse would be very pleased with the topics and people that the Center is sponsoring this coming academic year,” she said.
The Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics, which was established at the University in 1981, brings important political and legal issues to the forefront and provides a forum for controversial ideas that may not get sufficient attention from mainstream media.
For more information on the upcoming lectures and events of the Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics visit: www.morsechair.uoregon.edu.