In the wake of the recent tragedies across our nation, the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is sponsoring a series of events where students, faculty and staff are encouraged to share concerns and develop hopeful responses.

This week's scheduled events are:

Pizza with the Police: A Dialogue with UHD Police Officers

Tuesday, July 19

Travis/Milam Rooms - Welcome Center

Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Students are invited to share pizza and beverages with UHD Police officers, with one officer sitting at each of the round tables in an A300 section. This event builds upon the successful UHD Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (CSDEI) lounge discussions with police and students. This event is intended to break the ice between students and the police by bringing them together in the closer and more intimate setting of the meal table as they share lunch. Students should feel more comfortable asking the officers questions, while at the same time developing connections with UHD police. Students will likely find that UHD officers are not what they expect, and it is hoped that this event, and others like it, will lead to good relations between students and UHD Police.

Campus Dialogue/Panel

Thursday, July 21

Location TBD

Noon to 1:30 p.m.

This town hall will feature a panel of UHD leaders, faculty and staff who will begin by addressing the issues raised in the Speak Out event described above. Following this, the floor will be open for student questions and discussion. The recommended focus of the event will be broad enough to touch on the events of recent history, but at the same time give relevant historical and societal context. This event will offer the opportunity to have an informative and stimulating exchange of ideas, as well as the chance to situate the recent tragic events within an academic context.