UW-Oshkosh hosts public forums on AI and democracy this October - Oshkosh Northwestern

UW-Oshkosh hosts public forums on AI and democracy this October

Events at Reeve Memorial Union include an immigration panel Oct. 22 and an AI forum Oct. 27.

- The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will host a series of free public programs this fall.

- Events will focus on civic responsibility, public policy and community engagement.

- A panel on Oct. 22 will discuss Minnesota's response to an immigration enforcement operation.

- An Oct. 27 forum will debate the economic and environmental impacts of building AI data centers in Wisconsin.

OSHKOSH – The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will host a series of public programs this fall focused on civic responsibility, public policy and community engagement, bringing students and residents together for discussions on government, immigration issues and artificial intelligence, according to a community announcement.

The events are organized by the university's Center for Civic and Community Engagement and are free and open to the public.

The university plans two more major events at Reeve Memorial Union that will include opportunities for audience questions and discussion. Organizers also plan to livestream and record sessions when possible, with recordings available afterward.

Panel to examine Minnesota immigration operation

An exhibit and panel discussion titled "Loving Thy Neighbor: Civic Engagement During Minnesota's Metro Surge" is scheduled for Oct. 22.

The exhibit will be open from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by a panel discussion from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The program will focus on experiences of Minnesota residents during Operation Metro Surge and the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this year. Panelists who assisted community members during that period are expected to discuss what they witnessed, how neighborhoods responded and why they became involved.

The exhibit will provide additional context and highlight the experiences of individuals affected by the operation, according to the announcement.

AI data center debate slated for October

A public forum on artificial intelligence infrastructure, "Should Wisconsin Build More AI Data Centers?" is planned for 5-7 p.m. Oct. 27.

Part of UW-Oshkosh's Freedom of Expression programming, the discussion will feature public officials and policy experts examining potential economic benefits, community impacts and environmental considerations related to additional AI data centers in Wisconsin.

Participants include the following:

- Ted Neitzke, mayor of Port Washington;

- Joe Stephenson, Oshkosh Common Council member and principal planner/planning services manager for the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission;

- Amy Barrilleaux, communications director for Clean Wisconsin;

- Ross Milton, assistant professor of public affairs at the UW-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs; and

- Stewart Cole, associate professor of English and environmental studies at UW-Oshkosh, moderator.

This story was produced by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.