A couple of weeks ago, at the instigation of some of our students, three of us business-law professors here at Hofstra held a "Teach In" on the Occupy Wall Street movement.  In a room that fits approximately 100, we had a standing room only crowd.  Although the event was scheduled to last only for the "common hour" of 12 - 1 pm, many (about half) of the students were willing to continue the conversation for a second hour (and we professors happily obliged).  In short, the event was very well received.

Now and again we schedule an event like this (a year ago on Citizens United, for example), but each time we wonder whether there will be sufficient student interest to make it worthwhile.  Each and every time, we're more than pleasantly surprised - student turnout is invariably strong, and student participation quite impressive.

Which leads me to this post.  I fear that all too often, we assume that our students are simply too busy, too practical, or too whatever to engage in events like this.  That assumption does a tremendous disservice to them.  A program that is interesting, timely, and well put together, will draw them.  And the result is a wonderfully enriching experience for all involved, to the betterment of our community and institution.  We should do such things more often.

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