Pizza and Policy with Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Want to express your concerns to a Pennsylvania Representative while enjoying free pizza? Make sure to attend Pizza & Policy with Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El.

On Oct. 23 from 6 – 8 p.m. in the Student Memorial Atrium, students will have the opportunity to learn about Smith-Wade-El’s work and voice any concerns or questions they have about current or future events while enjoying pizza.

Dr. Laura Granruth, associate professor for the School of Social Work at MU and the coordinator for the Center for Civic Responsibility and Leadership, explains the importance of holding this event, “It is an honor to have legislators visit with us because they can speak to students about what is happening now in Pennsylvania and what their plans are for the future of the state. There are so many issues that will impact students including housing costs, wages, job opportunities, etc. that it is good for students to hear, learn and share their concerns with the legislators.”

Granruth notes that Smith-Wade-El is the right legislator to speak with students because of his personal connection to the University and with students. “Millersville has a special relationship with Rep. Smith-Wade-El. He shares often that he practically grew up on campus because his mother, Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El, was one of our professors and an incredible activist.”

“Many people refer to the Representative as “Izzy,” which demonstrates his personal connection to his community. Further, Rep. Smith-Wade-El is younger than many legislators, and as a person of color and a member of the LGBTQ community, he is able to relate to so many student populations. The representative is so easy to speak with. I am sure students will enjoy that,” Granruth explains.

By attending the event, Granruth hopes students can learn that public officials are “just like them—regular folks who opted to get involved.” She also hopes students will better understand the issues that will impact their future.

Additional legislators from both the Republican and Democrat parties were invited to attend Pizza and Policy. The other legislators have not responded.

The event is open to the campus community.