For 55 years, the Hinckley Institute of Politics has strived to engaged students in civic processes, promote a better understanding of political processes and train ethical and visionary students for public service.
In an effort to support that mission, the Hinckley Institute of Politics hosts over 60 forums throughout the course of the academic year. The Hinckley Institute is dedicated to producing politically, socially and economically relevant forums to foster public discourse and civil debate on the most current and pressing issues of our time.
This fall, the Hinckley Institute of Politics is partnering with AARP Utah and KCPW to ensure all forums are livestreamed, recorded and rebroadcasted for the greater university community.
Upcoming Hinckley Forums
View the full calendar here.
The Hinckley Institute neither supports nor opposes the views expressed in these forums.
Healthcare Disparities
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020
12-1 p.m.
Health is central to our well-being and livelihood as individuals and as a society as a whole. While the United States has been a nexus for countless innovative medical advancements and health care therapies, it is also hindered by profound inequities. The affordability, accessibility and quality of care individuals receive varies dramatically based on their socioeconomic status, race, geography, gender identity and more. Join our panel as they examine the impact that health care disparities have on society and what measures can be taken to combat it.
Panelists include:
- Rebecca Chavez-Houck, former representative, Utah Legislature
- Dulce A. Díez, director, Utah Department of Health Office of Health Disparities
- Dr. Ivette Lopez, professor of public health, family and preventative medicine, University of Utah
- Dr. José Rodríguez, associate vice president for health equity, diversity, and inclusion, University of Utah
- Jessie Mandle, senior health policy analyst, Voices for Utah Children (moderator)
This is a virtual event. To participate, please RSVP here.
Informed Decisions 2020: Funding Public Education in Utah
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020
12-1 p.m.
This election year, Utah voters are being asked to expand the use of income tax revenue—via a constitutional amendment—that is currently earmarked solely for education. State legislators, through H.B. 357, have promised funding for inflation and student growth, expanded use of revenue raised through capital levies and additional rainy day funds for education. However, this bill takes effect only if voters approve S.J.R. 9, the constitutional change expanding the use of income tax revenue to include services for children and people with disabilities. Join panelists as they examine the landscape of public education funding in Utah so that Utah voters can make an informed decision about this important amendment.
Panelists include:
- Andrea Brandley, research associate, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
- Sydnee Dickson, state superintendent of public education
- Representative Steve Eliason, Utah Legislature
- Andrea Rorrer, director, Utah Education Policy Center
- Natalie Gochnour, director, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute (moderator)
This is a virtual event. To participate, please RSVP here.
The Future of Higher Education
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020
12-1 p.m.
This spring, colleges and universities around the world rushed to adapt to COVID-19. As the pandemic continues, it challenges nearly every aspect of higher education through ongoing health and safety concerns, new financial challenges, changes to campus life and athletics programs and transformations in admissions, enrollments and even learning as classrooms move online. Join our panel of regional higher education leaders as they discuss how their institutions are adapting to these changes and what higher education may look like in a post-COVID world.
Panelists include:
- Clark Gilbert, president, BYU Idaho
- Deneece Huftalin, president, Salt Lake Community College
- Dan Reed, senior vice president for Academic Affairs, University of Utah
- Jason Perry, director, Hinckley Institute of Politics, vice president for Government Relations, University of Utah (moderator)
This is a virtual event. To participate, please RSVP here.