UB will host a program, “What Ferguson Can Teach Us: Working Together for Justice and Community Safety,” at 12:15 p.m. Feb. 25 in 145a Student Union, North Campus.

The program is the work of graduate student Andrew Tabashneck, who last November traveled with two other UB Law School students to Ferguson, Missouri, in response to an emergency request from the National Lawyers Guild for legal observers after a grand jury decided not to indict police officer Darren Wilson.

“Observing the peaceful protests in Ferguson inspired me to put together a program where community members and law enforcement could sit down together and discuss the underlying issues that go beyond Ferguson,” says Tabashneck, who is in UB’s dual-degree program in the Law School and School of Social Work. “As we rise above our own personal prejudices and biases, we must work together to strengthen our community so every child can grow up in a safe environment.”

Teresa Miller, vice provost for equity and inclusion, will provide opening remarks; Diane Elze, associate professor in the School of Social Work, will moderate the panel discussion. Panel participants include:

• Curtis Alford, program director, Urban Christian Ministries.
• Valerie Dobson, University Police officer.
• Sam Magavern, co-director, Partnership for the Public Good (PPG), and clinical adjunct professor, UB Law School.
• Joshua Sticht, University Police deputy chief of police.
• John Washington, community organizer, People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH).

Organizers will provide lunch and refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Tabashneck.