U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. spoke to a group of over 100 studentson topics ranging from the justice system to Affirmative Actionyesterday.
Ford spoke Thursday afternoon to students in the Cecil C.Humphreys School of Law in a lecture called "Politics, Educationand the Future of America."
Ford said he represents a new generation of political leaderswho seek to replace the partisan politics of the past with freshideas and a realistic approach to the challenges of the 21stcentury.
Ford encouraged law students to become aware of theirsurroundings because he believes lawyers need to be more involvedwith the political environment.
"Students should be attentive to political issues because itwill bring a secure environment and understanding," he said.
He added that his main priority in Congress is to continue toimprove education.
"Our children deserve substantial new investments in theireducation, as well as accountability measures to ensure they arelearning," Ford said. "Education is not only about lifting thehopes of children in this century - education will be the key tothe security and economic future of our nation."
Law students said they were honored to see the representativeand excited to listen to him discuss interesting topics.
Second year law student Jenikka Hall said she respects Ford notonly because he is a Congress representative, but also because heis as a positive example to people.
"I respect him because he benefits exposure to a lot of peoplebecause he has succeeded and he wants others to be as successful,"Hall said.
Cristy Braun, executive director of the Humphreys Forum and vicepresident of the Student Bar Association, said the lecture was asuccess, encouraging students to widen their minds to specificissues.
"I am happy with the flow of the discussion as a whole," Braunsaid. "The lecture went well, and his relationship with thestudents was a delight. The connection with him and students madeit comfortable for both parties to discuss certain topics."
Ford also shared his views on Affirmative Action.
"I am for Affirmative Action because it makes America a betterplace and community," Ford said. "With programs for our community,it establishes equal opportunity for all races."
First year law student Kairian Walter said Ford's lecture aboutAffirmative Action gave students a clearer definition.
"The lecture was very informative, and it was not just onesided. He actually explained issues like Affirmative Action fromdifferent aspects," Walter said. "It hurts me deeply to hear peopletalk about something they know nothing about. People should be moreeducated on the subject."
Errol Harmon, president of the Black Law Students' Association,said the lecture proved that all students could unite with positiveresults.
"The lecture was very positive. It allowed students to cometogether and end up on the same level," Harmon said. "It's relevantfor graduate and undergraduate students to discuss and learnimportant topics because we are going to be future leaders withhelpful approaches to achieve proactive solutions."
