The Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab presents:
Creating Justice: Developing Evidence-Based Policy to Reduce Inequality
Wednesday, April 15 | Time: 6:30 - 9 PM | Kerwin Hall, Room 301 

What will it take to build justice in a multiracial democracy today?
Join Alan Curtis (Milton S. Eisenhower Foundation), Cynthia Miller-Idriss (PERIL), Laura Waxman (US Conference of Mayors), Ray B. Shackelford (National Urban League), Anjali Thakur-Mittal (The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights), and Sim J. Singh Attariwala (Asian Americans Advancing Justice) for Creating Justice—a timely panel on inequality, policy, and the future of American democracy.

SPA presents the National Security Series:
New Perspectives in Terrorism Prevention
Thursday, April 9 | Time: 5:30 PM | McDowell Formal Lounge 

Join leadership from SPA’s Polarization and Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL) for a National Security Series session titled "New Perspectives in Terrorism Prevention" with Founding Dir. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, Exec. Dir. Bill Braniff, and Chief Strategy Officer Ryan Greer.

SPA's Department of Public Analysis and Policy presents:
Wanting Children: A New Approach to U.S. Family Planning Policies
Thursday, April 16 | Time: Noon | McDowell Formal Lounge 

Join Syracuse University's Leonard Lopoo for a discussion of his new book on the past, present, and future of U.S. family-planning policy—including its eugenic legacy. The talk explores deep inequalities in who gets to become a parent and offers a new vision for a more equitable approach to family planning.

The seminar is "open to all" and participation is not limited based on any individual's personal identity or characteristics, including but not limited to race, color, national origin (or shared ancestry), religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

SPA's Political Theory Institute presents:
America's Greatest Literature
Thursday, April 16 | Time: 5:30 - 7 PM | Kerwin Hall, Room 301 

What counts as the greatest literature produced in the United States—and how do we define “greatness” in the first place? Is American literature shaped by the country’s democratic experiment, or by its contradictions and failures?

Explore some of the nation's most remarkable writers – and expand your "To-Read" list –with AU's Prof. Marianne Noble, Assoc. Prof. Keith Leonard and Roosevelt University's Prof. Stuart Warner.

SPA presents:
AURORA's Keogram Publication Launch
Thursday, April 16 | Time: 6:30 PM | MGSC 128 

Join us for the launch of AURORA's first publication at American University. The event will feature briefings from members of AURORA on a range of national security issues covered in the Keogram.

SPA's Department of Justice, Law and Criminology Speaker Series presents:
Freed Without Freedom: The Failures of Pretrial Surveillance
Friday, April 17 | Time: 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM | Kerwin Hall, T3 

What does “freedom” really look like before trial?

Hear George Mason's Asst. Prof. Erin Eife unpack inequalities through hidden costs of bond reform—and how pretrial surveillance shapes everyday life—hosted by SPA's Stacie St Louis. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation.

SPA's Inclusive Excellence presents:
What Are You Carrying?
Monday, April 20 | Time: 10 AM - 2 PM | Kerwin Hall, Room 301 

Join the SPA community for a reflective and engaging event centered on the “baggage” we all carry—both spoken and unspoken. This space invites students, staff, and faculty to pause, share, and acknowledge the challenges shaping our experiences within our community and beyond.

As a symbol of this collective reflection, attendees will receive a mini backpack—a small but powerful reminder that while we all carry something, we don’t have to carry it alone.

Come as you are. Leave a little lighter.

The SPA Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies presents:
The Dialogues on Democracy
American Democracy at a Crossroads: A Republican Perspective
Monday, April 20 | Time: 6:30 PM | SIS Founders Room 

Gain a thoughtful Republican perspective on American democracy at a pivotal moment with former congressman Tom Davis (VA-11). This is a valuable opportunity to engage across viewpoints and better understand the challenges—and opportunities—facing the nation today.

SPA's Women & Politics Institute presents:
Women on Wednesdays
The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn From Them)
Wednesday, April 22 | Time: 6 PM ET | Virtual 

Award-winning political strategist Atima Omara will discuss her forthcoming book, which examines how Black women have responded to failed strategic decisions by movement leaders in previous elections as a context for the present. Drawing on her political knowledge and expertise, Omara provides actionable recommendations to strategists, political party leaders, and organizers to build an inclusive democracy for years to come.

The School of Public Affairs presents:
A Toast to SPA's Spring 2026 Graduates
Monday, April 27 | Time: 4:30 - 5:30 PM | MGSC 128  

Calling all SPA graduating students* this May!

Join SPA faculty and staff who would like to honor your accomplishments before the Commencement ceremony. The event will feature remarks from a member of the graduating class, an alumnus, and the Interim Dean. 

Food and sparkling beverages will be provided, including options from Colada Shop!

Check-in begins at 4:15 PM.
*This event is for SPA's graduating students only. No additional guests permitted.

The School of Public Affairs presents:
Counterinsurgency Dilemma Book Launch
Monday, April 27 | Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM | The Studio Theater (1501 14th St NW) 
Join SPA's Prof. Tricia Bacon for the launch of her new book "The Counterinsurgency Dilemma: Foreign Fighter Influence on Insurgencies in Afghanistan and Somalia", an examination of foreign fighters' influence on conflicts and the consequences for counterinsurgency strategy and policy.
Moderated by Georgetown University's Prof. Bruce R. Hoffman.

The School of Public Affairs presents:
Late Night Breakfast - SP'26 Edition
Tuesday, April 28 | Time: 10 PM - Midnight | Kerwin Hall Lobby 

It's that time of the year again!
⛽ Fuel up for finals with an SPA tradition at Late Night Breakfast and finish the semester strong!