Who better to talk about America’s social injustices than Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich?
On Thursday, Feb. 20, at 5 p.m., The University of Toledo will screen Reich’s film, “Inequality for All,” at the Scott Park Auditorium. The free, public event will be followed by a live webcast with Reich, where attendees can have their questions answered.
The film, which came out in September but was not released to local theaters, discusses the widening gap between the rich and the poor and the many factors involved. Instead of vilifying the rich, Reich focuses on the policies that have stacked the deck against the less fortunate.
“In social work, we’re all about social justice,” said Terry Cluse-Tolar, professor in the UT Social Work Program, which is hosting the event. “Part of the reason we’re doing this is because this film exposes huge economic and social injustice.”
Some of the policies discussed in the film include unions, minimum wage and Right to Work laws. The film also addresses about tuition and student loans, so students are encouraged to attend and ask questions.
“In 1978, they started taking nationwide data on tuition and fees,” Cluse-Tolar said. “Since 1978, college tuition and fees have increased by 1,120 percent. To put that into perspective, medical costs have increased by 600 percent and food costs have increased by 240 percent.”
Questions for the webcast may be submitted by emailing ifaqa@sfsu.edu, tweeting @InequalityFilm or commenting on the film’s Facebook page at facebook.com/InequalityForAll.
The event is presented by the UT Social Work Program with help from Student Government, Owens Community College, Toledo Move to Amend and Toledo Area Jobs with Justice.
