College of the Canyons will host a seminar with the internationally recognized Dr. Jackson Katz later this month at the Performing Arts Center.

In an effort to initiate a community-wide conversation about the impact that sexual violence and gender discrimination can have on society, and what individuals can do to help prevent such occurrences, College of the Canyons has invited renowned social theorist Dr. Jackson Katz to campus for a benchmark presentation focused on these issues.

The seminar presentation “Men, Women, Sex & Violence” will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, in the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons.

“Talking about sexual violence and what can be done to prevent it, is the best way to help stop it and ensure the safety of our students,” said Dr. Michael Wilding, College of the Canyons Vice President of Student Services. “Our college has initiated a number of efforts related to this issue and have now invited Dr. Jackson Katz to help jumpstart a much-needed conversation.”

An internationally recognized educator, author, filmmaker and social theorist, Katz holds academic degrees from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Harvard and UCLA.

Katz has spent much of his career working to prevent relationship violence. He is a former TED talks presenter and has lectured at more than 1,400 college campuses. In addition, he has shared his message with professionals in education, human services, public health, law enforcement and professional athletics.

Jackson Katz Photo Courtesy of jacksonkatz.com

He is the co-founder of the multiracial mixed-gender Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) program, which was established at Northeastern University in 1993. Katz and his MVP team members have reached tens of thousands of high school students, as well as thousands of student-athletes on college and university campuses.

“We are committed to prevention,” added Wilding, “and want to ensure that everyone who is part of our campus community understands how they can play a role in keeping others safe.”

Katz and his MVP members have also worked closely with front office personnel in the New England Patriots organization, with a handful of other NFL teams participating in the MVP program.

“We hope the entire community takes advantage of the opportunity to learn more about Dr. Katz’s groundbreaking work in preventing relationship violence,” said Larry Schallert, interim director of student health and wellness at the college.

“Dr. Katz is an engaging and insightful speaker who will be addressing one of the most pressing issues facing communities today,” added Schallert. “This an event for men and women that will address all types of relationships, while addressing how we can take responsibility with our partners, friends families and colleagues to improve our own lives and positively influence others.”

Parents, students, teachers, health workers, coaches, first responders and anyone interested in participating in the dialogue are encouraged to attend this event.

Admission to this event is free of charge and open to the community.

For more information about the upcoming Dr. Jackson Katz presentation on March 31, please visit www.canyons.edu/BMW. For more information about the presenter please visit www.jacksonkatz.com