Harvard University sociology Professor Orlando Patterson grew up in Jamaica and is familiar with the music’s impact on Jamaican culture.

A grant MSU received in 2001 from the Freedom Project is funding Patterson’s visit. The Freedom Project awards grant money to interdisciplinary studies that focus on the impact of freedom, free societies and free enterprise.

“Reggae music in Jamaica plays a role in coping for people who struggle with self-expression and liberty,” political science Professor William Allen said.

Patterson’s book, “Freedom in the Making of Western Culture” won the National Book Award in 1991. The book is geared toward students and is required reading for Allen’s course.

The free lecture will take place at 8 p.m. Wednesday in 335 Case Hall.

Claire Lepine

Shelter in need of volunteers

MSU Safe Place is looking for crisis intervention and child care volunteers.

The on-campus domestic violence shelter provides support, shelter and advocacy for students, staff, faculty and their relatives.

Director Holly Rosen said she is looking for 15 to 25 volunteers with responsibility, compassion and commitment to work one-on-one with shelter residents, attend field trips and coordinate special events.

“Volunteering in general is a valuable experience,” Rosen said. “MSU Safe Place provides a lot of opportunities and chances to work in a shelter environment with kids and adults who have experienced domestic violence.”

Safe Place asks its volunteers to make a minimum commitment of two hours a week for at least one semester. Volunteers must attend all training sessions.

“The volunteers will learn about child development, empathy skills and caring,” Rosen said. “They will learn a lot of things in a short amount of time and contribute a great deal to the community.”

For more information, e-mail baumann9@msu.edu.

Jeanne Chan

Speaker talks environment

Lyman Briggs School will present another leg of its speaker series Tuesday.

Bill Lawson, professor of philosophy, will lecture on “Environmental Justice in an Urban Setting.”

The lecture will include a discussion about ethical environmental policy for municipal areas and how liberal theory can affect it. Lawson will focus on the protection of private property rights and common societal good and the struggle between the two.

“It’s important to consider these issues in light of what happened September 11,” Lawson said. “These problems will not go away just because of what happened.

“I always think it’s an honor when people at your university see you as a resource. And when they want to learn from you.”

The free presentation will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in room C-106 Holmes Hall.

Megan Frye