In three days 152 pimps were arrested and 105 children victims forced into prostitution were rescued during a nationwide FBI operation to address commercial sex trafficking in the United States. 

“Child prostitution remains a persistent threat to children across America,” Ron Hosko, assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, said at the time of Operation Cross Country VII in July. “This operation serves as a reminder that these abhorrent crimes can happen anywhere, and the FBI remains committed to stopping this cycle of victimization and holding the criminals who profit from this exploitation accountable.”

For the past decade Celia Williamson, UToledo professor of social work, and her International Human Trafficking, Prostitution and Sex Work Conference celebrating its tenth anniversary next week, have been working to raise awareness about and bring an end to the problem.

“It is imperative we build on this momentum to continue to make great strides in increasing awareness about trafficking and curbing the practice that continues to victimize far too many young people,” said Williamson, who also is the founder of Second Chance, a social service program located in Toledo that provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic sex trafficking and prostitution.

Williamson

“The efforts of the FBI, such as this latest operation, are essential. We continue to work toward stricter laws to punish pimps, additional services for victims and increased public awareness that collectively will help to end this horrific practice of sex trafficking.”

The 10th Annual International Human Trafficking, Prostitution and Sex Work Conference Sept. 27-28 at The University of Toledo will share the latest in research, advocacy and programs to stop the practice and aid the victims of it.

The event will feature a keynote address at 12:30 p.m. Thursday by survivors and activists Sarita Skagnes and Theresa Flores. Skagnes is the author of the book “Just a Daughter” that shares her story of being exchanged by her parents for a boy because they wanted a son and how she was left behind to work as a maid servant. Flores is the author of “The Slave across the Street” about her experience as a sex trafficking victim when she was a teenager living in suburban Detroit.

The conference will feature more than 45 presenters on topics such as recruitment in jails, how hotels and motels facilitate trafficking, transgender youth in the sex trade and more. International components include examining trafficking concerns in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Turkey.

For more information on the conference, visit www.prostitutionconference.com.

Media Coverage
13 ABC (Sept. 23, 2013)
WTOL 11, 13 ABC and WNWO (Sept. 27, 2013)

A decade ago victims of human trafficking in Ohio were treated like criminals and those who forced them into modern day slavery faced less severe criminal charges.

But the efforts of Celia Williamson, UToledo professor of social work, and her International Human Trafficking, Prostitution and Sex Work Conference celebrating it’s tenth anniversary next week changed that.

Ohio passed last year the Safe Harbor Law that increases penalties for adults who profit from human trafficking and treats juveniles forced into prostitution as victims with access to treatment, counseling and other services.

The law was championed by Rep. Teresa Fedor (D. Toledo) who now is advocating for the End Demand Act that would further address trafficking in the state. The proposed law increases penalties for the solicitation of minors.

“It is imperative we build on this momentum in Ohio to continue to make great strides in increasing awareness about trafficking and curbing the practice that continues to victimize far too many young people,” said Williamson, who also is the founder of Second Chance, a social service program located in Toledo that provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic sex trafficking and prostitution and a member of the Ohio Attorney Generals Human Trafficking Commission.

Williamson

The 10th annual International Human Trafficking, Prostitution and Sex Work Conference will take place Thursday and Friday Sept. 26-27 in the Student Union on the UT Main Campus will continue to raise awareness and effect change.

The event will feature a keynote address 12:30 p.m. Thursday by survivors and activists Sarita Skagnes and Theresa Flores. Skagnes is the author of the book “Just a Daughter” that shares her story of being exchanged by her parents for a boy because they wanted a son and how she was left behind to work as a maid servant. Flores is the author of “The Slave across the Street” about her experience as a sex trafficking victim when she was a teenager living in suburban Detroit.

The conference will feature more than 45 presenters on topics such as recruitment in jails, how hotels and motels facilitate trafficking, transgender youth in the sex trade and more. International components include examining trafficking concerns in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Turkey.

For more information on the conference, visit www.prostitutionconference.com.

Media Coverage
13 ABC (Sept. 23, 2013)
WTOL 11, 13 ABC and WNWO (Sept. 27, 2013)

The University of Toledo will celebrate today the completion of a restoration effort for the 3,700 feet of the Ottawa River that runs through Main Campus.

The dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at noon today (Friday, Sept. 20) near the river on the new access path next to the bridge by the East Parking Ramp on the northeast corner of Main Campus.

Large rocks, logs and other natural materials were added to the Ottawa River during the summer to mimic natural water flow and get a ripple effect in the water, which will add to the diversity of the aquatic habitat.

The final in-stream improvements are in addition to clearing the riverbanks, removing non-native invasive plants and other efforts that have been under way since 2009 by the President’s Commission on the River.

The event today is part of Celebrate Our River week that includes video and poster displays of the restoration work, a photography contest and participation in the community-wide effort Clean Your Streams on Saturday, Sept. 21 when volunteers clean up debris found along the river.

For more information, contact Dr. Patrick Lawrence, UT professor and chair of the Department of Geography and Planning, who is chair of the President’s Commission on the River, at 419.530.7919 or patrick.lawrence@utoledo.edu.

Media Coverage
WNWO (Oct. 3, 2013)

Khan will speak at 7 p.m.at UT tonight in University Hall’s newly renovated Doermann Theater

The appearance of Salman Khan, founder of Khan Academy, will prove significant well beyond the opportunity to hear from a man who Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates described as “a true pioneer in integrating technology and learning.” It represents the launch of a new initiative designed to bring Khan’s ideas to bear on the delivery of education to University of Toledo students.

In conjunction with the first installment from the Jesup Scott Honors College Distinguished Lecture Series, Dr. Scott Scarborough, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, announced the creation of the UT One World Schoolhouse, inspired by Khan Academy and Salman Khan’s book, “The One World Schoolhouse.” The schoolhouse will serve as a worldwide association of educators working to explore and test new educational paradigms, models and tools.

Through a triad of divisions, the UT One World Schoolhouse will deliver technological advancements in education, an educational lab and a cohesive approach to international education.

“We’re thrilled that The University of Toledo wants to explore Khan Academy concepts in the UT One World Schoolhouse,” Khan said. “We are looking forward to being a part of this effort and the educational benefits that it can bring about for learners everywhere.”

The divisions of the schoolhouse include:

•  An Educational Games and Simulation division to develop advanced educational games for all levels of education. This division will connect Main Campus simulation to the new advanced simulation center on the Health Science Campus;
•  Learning Innovation Laboratories that will be located in renovated space on the second floor of Carlson Library on the UT Main Campus. This division will partner with numerous educational providers to test and then demonstrate new technological and experiential models of education; and
•  International Connections through which UT international educational endeavors will be managed. This division will work to facilitate and expand international connections to give students of all types and backgrounds a global education.

“We believe, as Salman Khan does, that the ideal model of education, both today and in the future, is a balanced combination of personalized education that is facilitated and enhanced by technology and experiential learning that takes many forms including advanced simulation and educational games,” Scarborough said.

“Other forms of experiential learning include internships, co-ops, service learning, clinical rotations, field experiences, creative works, study abroad, international conversations, and undergraduate research. Our goal is to position The University of Toledo as THE University of Experiential Learning. The use of the term, ‘One World Schoolhouse,’ signals our University’s intent to test and then apply Khan’s model of education where it applies best.”

The initiative will be led by Bill McCreary, a senior leader with years of high-level managerial and technical expertise.

“Bill’s past experience and ability to lead the development of advanced simulation education games and his connections to key outside stakeholders make him the perfect choice for this new initiative,” Scarborough said.

The University will now enter the tactical phase for creation of the UT One World Schoolhouse, with the entity expected to be operational in Fall 2014.

Media Coverage
The Blade (Sept. 18, 2013)
The Independent Collegian (Sept. 18, 2013)

The University of Toledo will observe Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, with several events that will celebrate the culture.

“This month is important because this is when most of the Hispanic countries gained independence from Spain,” Latino Student Union President Jacob Torres said. “We cannot forget that this month celebrates our independence and freedom to become individual countries that create the diversity of Latin cultures today.”

The month kicks off today with an open house for the Latino Student Union and concludes with the Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Ceremony on Oct. 14. Other events throughout the month include salsa dance lessons, demonstrations on how to prepare Hispanic dishes, a Spanish tutorial, a Latino Idol singing competition and more.

Some highlights include:

•  Tuesday, Sept. 17 — Naturalization Ceremony, which is part of Constitution Day, 11:30 a.m. in the Law Center McQuade Law Auditorium. At the ceremony, more than 20 people will be sworn in by federal court officials to become U.S. citizens. The event is co-sponsored by the Office of Government Relations and the Program in Law and Social Thought.

•  Wednesday, Sept. 18 — Anita Lopez, Lucas County auditor who ran for mayor, will give the Main Campus keynote address for Hispanic Heritage Month at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Ingman Room. Lopez received a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a law degree from UT in 1994 and 1997, respectively, and is a former Latino Student Union president. She will talk about her personal journey.

•  Thursday, Oct. 3 — Dr. Patricia Documét, assistant professor of behavioral and community health sciences and director of the Center for Health Equity at the University of Pittsburgh, will give the Health Science Campus keynote address for Hispanic Heritage Month at noon in Health Education Building Room 110. She will discuss her research that focuses on Latino health and the relevancy of social relationships.

The events are facilitated through the UT Office of Excellence and Multicultural Student Success and Latino Student Union. Click here for a full list of events.

Media Coverage
The Blade (Sept. 16, 2013)
The Blade (Sept. 17, 2013)

Jacobs

Much has changed in the United States’ economy since Dr. Lloyd Jacobs took the stage for his first address to the community as president of The University of Toledo.

Now UT’s 16th president will in his seventh annual address focus on the role of higher education in this time of an evaporating middle class.

In “The American Dream and the Cloud University,” Jacobs will set a vision for the future of The University of Toledo, shaped by the evolving needs of students, patients and the community. The address will take place 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 in the newly renovated Henry J. Doermann Theater in University Hall on the UT Main Campus.

“One of the critical pieces of the long-term strategy is partnerships,” Jacobs said. “How these partnerships will ultimately help us live our mission, but also better focus on our most important deliverables: a quality education and a quality clinical experience.”

Parking will be available in the grassy area across from University Hall, with access from Goddard Road. Golf carts will be available for those who need assistance walking from the area.

Click here to download a photo of Jacobs.

Media Coverage
FOX Toledo (Sept. 20, 2013)
WNWO (Sept. 20, 2013)
13 ABC (Sept. 20, 2013)
The Blade (Sept. 20, 2013)
The Independent Collegian (Sept. 25, 2013)

The UT Confucius Institute will hold the inaugural Chinese Moon Festival 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17 in the Student Union Auditorium.

The Moon Festival is a popular harvest event celebrated by Chinese people. The festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar. It is called Mid-Autumn Festival or Moon Festival, because of the celebration’s association with the full moon on this night, as well as the traditions of lunar worship and moon gazing.

The festival consists of three fundamental meanings that are closely tied to one another: gathering, such as family and friends coming together; thanksgiving, to give thanks for the harvest; and praying such as for babies, a spouse, or other family members for a good future.

“This event is free and will feature a variety of activities celebrating Chinese culture,” said Minhua Wu, Confucius Institute assistant director. “Participants will be able to do a variety of art projects such as make a Chinese bracelet, design a paper lantern, or create wish cards for friends and family.

“We will have an opportunity where people can practice Chinese calligraphy, take a photo under the full moon at the photo booth, learn to speak a little Chinese, and visit an Asian market featuring Chinese souvenirs. ”

The Confucius Institute at The University of Toledo serves the northwest Ohio region by providing education in Chinese language and culture, the development of and enhancing China-related scholarly research/discovery, academic programs, and educational/training programs that support business outreach/engagement, and offering opportunities for cultural exchanges between China and the United States.

For more details on the Chinese Moon Festival, visit utoledo.edu/cisp/moonfestival.

Media Note: The lecture is sold out and is a ticketed event. Please find or ask for Meghan Cunningham or me to gain access to the lecture if you are a member of the media.

A globally renowned education innovator will launch The University of Toledo’s Jesup Scott Honors College Distinguished Lecture Series Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. in UT’s newly renovated Doermann Theater on the third floor of University Hall.

Khan

Salman Khan is the founder of the Khan Academy, a not-for-profit organization with a mission to bring a top-tier education to anyone with an Internet connection. Khan Academy has a library of more than 3,000 web videos ranging from algebra and chemistry to art history and economics.

“People like Salman Khan are the inspirations for the innovative approaches we are taking at The University of Toledo as we make sure the education our students receive keeps pace with rapid societal changes UT graduates will face once they begin their career,” said Dr. Scott Scarborough, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

Scarborough pointed to plans, particularly in the Jesup Scott Honors College, to flip classrooms — having students listen to lectures prior to class and then completing interactive activities during class time with a professor’s assistance.

A hedge fund analyst, Khan walked away from Wall Street and began what became Khan Academy as a simple effort to provide tutoring for his niece. As word spread and the videos became more and more popular, Khan found himself working with people like Microsoft founder Bill Gates to find new ways to enhance education across the nation.

During his 2012 annual address to the University community, UT President Lloyd Jacobs touted Khan as an education game-changer who “will be recognized in subsequent decades, perhaps centuries, as the real innovator in teaching and learning.”

“Knowledge is now fluid, moveable, mercurial and exists in cyberspace,” Jacobs said last September. “Khan’s transmission of knowledge freely and for free will have tremendous transformative power.

“Already the great universities of the world are emulating him,” Jacobs said at the time, urging UT to embrace these transformations and help lead the effort.

Khan is the first of four guests who will speak during the 2013-14 academic year as part of the Honors College Distinguished Lecture Series. Also speaking will be:

• Political consultant James Carville Monday, Nov. 18;
• Business strategy expert Richard Rumelt Monday, Jan. 13; and
• Arizona State University President Michael Crow Monday, March 10.

All lectures will take place at 7 p.m. in Doermann Theater, and speakers will take audience questions. Visit utoledo.edu/honorslecture to learn more about the speakers.

“I remember when I was in college the impact that lecture series with the leading minds of the day had on me and my education,” Scarborough said. “A distinguished lecture series sponsored at the University-wide level is something that top-tier universities provide to their students and to their communities, and UT is proud to offer the same for Toledo and northwest Ohio.”

Media Coverage
The Blade (Sept. 9, 2013)
The Independent Collegian (Sept. 11, 2013)
The Blade (Sept. 16, 2013)
The Independent Collegian (Sept. 17, 2013)
The Independent Collegian (Sept. 18, 2013)
The Blade (Sept. 18, 2013)
WTOL 11 (Sept. 20, 2013)

Reel Big Fish, Josh Gracin and The White Panda among performers

Thousands of music fans will enjoy live performances by some of their favorite artists Friday, Sept. 13 during Music Fest 2013 at The University of Toledo.

The free music festival will begin with local rock band The Lonely Friends and conclude with the mash-up/remix duo The White Panda, with performances from all genres in between. Music Fest 2013 will take place 3 p.m. to midnight in the grassy area sound of Memorial Field House on the UT Main Campus. 

“We strive to reach music lovers of all types and this year’s lineup is no exception,” said Lawrence J. Burns, UT vice president for external affairs. “UT students, students from all colleges and universities and community members will enjoy the performances and excitement around the start of a great school year and Rocket football season.”

The Lonely Friends, a rock band with influences of blues and metal from Maumee, won the Local Band Challenge to kick off the event at 3 p.m.

Next on stage is The Contours featuring Sylvester Potts at 4:30 p.m. to entertain fans with their Motown sound. The band is best known for its 1962 hit “Do You Love Me?” written by legendary Motown CEO Berry Gordy that was later featured in the film “Dirty Dancing.”

A pep rally will take place at 5:30 p.m. to get the Rockets and fans excited for the first home football game 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 against Eastern Washington.

Music Fest veteran and jazz flutist Alexander Zonjic with The Motor City Horns will continue the Detroit sound at 6 p.m.

At 7:30 p.m. country singer Josh Gracin will perform some of his hit songs, including “Nothin’ to Lose” and “Stay with Me (Brass Bed).” The Michigan native earned a fourth-place finish in the second season of “American Idol.”

Ska band Reel Big Fish will get fans on their feet and dancing with their high energy songs at 9 p.m. The band released its seventh studio album Candy Coated Fury (Rock Ridge Music) last year and is best known for songs “Sell Out” and “Take on Me.”

And fans will continue dancing when The White Panda blasts its electronic dance beats at 10:30 p.m. Tom Evans (Procrast) and Dan Griffith (DJ Griffi) recently released their fifth full-length album Bearly Legal.

For more information about Music Fest 2013 visit utoledo.edu/musicfest or follow the event on Facebook at facebook.com/UTMusicFest or Twitter at @musicfest13.

Click here to download photos of all the performers. Click here to download a Music Fest 2013 logo.

Media Coverage
The Independent Collegian (Sept. 11, 2013)
The Blade (Sept. 12, 2013)
The Blade (Sept. 12, 2013)
WTOL 11 and 13 ABC (Sept. 16, 2013)

The Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman trial and verdict have raised the visibility of ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws in this country. A panel of experts will provide an overview of these laws and of Ohio’s proposed version at noon Monday, Sept. 9 in the College of Law’s McQuade Law Auditorium.

Toledo Law Professor Jelani Jefferson Exum will moderate the discussion with panelists James Carlisle ’85, Professor Gregory Gilchrist, and Professor Nicole Porter.

“This panel will get beyond the rhetoric and examine how these laws work and what they are really about,” said Daniel Steinbock, dean of the College of Law. “It will allow the community to get the benefit of the kind of faculty expertise our students are exposed to every day.”

House Bill 203 seeks to bring a version of the ‘Stand Your Ground’ law to Ohio. Under current law, a person has no duty to retreat before using deadly force if that person is in their own home or automobile. The proposed legislation tracks Florida’s law and expands the right to use deadly force without a duty to retreat to any place a person has a lawful right to be.

The panel will survey ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws in the United States, analyzing them from legal, historical, and feminist perspectives.