The Ambiguities of Freedom: Public Policy and American Youth

The Ambiguities of Freedom: Public Policy and American Youth
The Center for Social Imagination, the Arts, and Education

Seminar Introduction

Is freedom susceptible to more than one interpretation? How do different interpretations of freedom affect public policy? In 2000, Teachers College at Columbia University held a day-long conference to address these questions. While the conference touched on issues ranging from "zero-tolerance" policies to the current American welfare system, one common theme united many of the speeches: the impact of public policy on today's youth.

Using excerpts from "The Ambiguities of Freedom" conference, this seminar examines several of the obstacles facing US children under the current education and welfare systems. Four experts analyze the negative effects that zero-tolerance policies, workfare and corporate culture have had on a new generation of Americans, while offering suggestions for how to improve public policies that are targeted towards youth issues.They explore the role that contemporary definitions of democracy and "free choice" play in the shaping of policy and give examples of how these policies have influenced real communities. Throughout this seminar, the experts focus on the relationship between abstract notions of freedom and the everyday lives of millions of children, and explore how governmental policies can create new opportunities for youth.

Learning Objectives

Identify ways in which governmental policies can negatively and positively impact youth.
List three ways educators can prevent the criminalization of youth.
Explore how the American welfare system can hurt single-parent families.
Recognize issues associated with the neglect of the public education systems.

Sessions

Session 1	The Ambiguities of Freedom
Session 2	Creating a Space for Freedom
Session 3	Eliminating America's Democratic Deficit
Session 4	The Public Assault on America's Children
Session 5	Negative Consequences of "Zero Tolerance" Policies
Contributors

Credits

Copyright 2000 by The Trustees of the University of Columbia in the City of New York. This seminar is adapted from speeches given at "The Ambiguities of Freedom," a conference hosted by Teachers College, Columbia University on April 1, 2000.

Technical Requirements