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Department of Sociology and Geography to host January 25 teach-in on human trafficking

ISSUED: 17 January 2017
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — A teach-in at Shepherd University is part of a series of events taking place to highlight that January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The teach-In will take place Wednesday, January 25, from noon-2 p.m. at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education auditorium.

The teach-in will begin with presentations by experts on a panel from 12-1 p.m., then the floor will be opened for questions. There will be four breakout sessions from 1-2 p.m. to engage participants in discussion including how law enforcement, legislators, community members, and health care workers respond to human trafficking situations.

Other events planned include an internet safety information session featuring speakers from Bethany Christian Services and local law enforcement and a Pray for Freedom simulcast. The internet safety session will take place on Tuesday, January 24, from 6-8 p.m. at Charles Town Baptist Church, 211 East Congress St., Charles Town. It will cover topics like cyberbullying, inappropriate material, online predators, and revealing personal information. The simulcast will be Saturday, January 28, from 6-8 p.m. at Shepherd in Reynolds Hall and is open to all regardless of faith.

The events are sponsored by Shepherd’s Department of Sociology and Geography, the Shepherdstown Anti Human Trafficking Task Force, Eastern Panhandle HEAT, Aglow, Bethany Christian Services, Blue Campaign, and Faith Alliance Against Slavery and Trafficking.

For more information, contact Rita Nieman at rynieman@me.com or Dr. Chiquita Howard-Bostic, chair of the Department of Sociology and Geography, at chowardb@shepherd.edu.

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