WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield School of Politics and International Affairs and Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series presents a discussion on “Modern Day Book Bans and the Ongoing Fight for Intellectual Freedom.” The event is free and open to the public.

WHEN: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8

University of Illinois Springfield Associate Professor Sibel Oktay’s book, “Governing Abroad: Coalition Politics and Foreign Policy in Europe,” has been awarded the International Studies Association’s 2022 Foreign Policy Analysis Best Book Award. Oktay teaches in the UIS School of Politics and International Affairs.

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will host former U.S. Ambassador Charles Ray who will speak about a new report, “Blueprints for a More Modern U.S. Diplomatic Service.” The report includes recommendations on ways the United States can improve its diplomacy. The program is sponsored by the UIS School of Politics and International Affairs and the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois. The event is open to the public.

WHEN: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25

WHERE: UIS Public Affairs Center, Third Floor, Room 3F

University of Illinois Springfield Political Science Professor Jason Pierceson’s book, “Before Bostock: The Accidental LGBTQ Precedent of Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins,” is the co-recipient of the inaugural LGBTQ+ Politics Best Book Award from the Sexuality and Politics Section of the American Political Science Association (APSA).

According to APSA, the LGBTQ+ Politics Best Book Award is given annually to a book published in the preceding calendar year that addresses LGBTQ+ politics.

Elevated Gun Violence in U.S. Cities of All Sizes

In a new analysis, University of Illinois Springfield Associate Professor of Political Science Magic Wade found from 2015-2021 many cities in the United States surpassed historical gun violence rates observed during the 1990s. She looked at data from small, mid-size and large U.S. cities.