Oglethorpe engaged with the issues surrounding the U.S. judicial system and the concept of justice on a more personal level this week during the Liberal Arts and Sciences Symposium (LASS).
Following a year of studying the theme “Crime and Punishment” in the Core curriculum, students were challenged by a keynote and Q&A session with basketball legend Maya Moore and her entrepreneur and activist husband, Jonathan Irons on April 24, launching this year’s symposium. A celebration of academics and a commitment to service, LASS is Oglethorpe’s annual forum for students to present research, showcase artistic creations and engage a topic through their academic disciplines.
Moore and Irons shared the story of how wrongful incarceration and ultimately exoneration fueled their work in judicial system reform and inspired students to get involved and pursue justice. The couple answered questions from students, faculty and alumni raised in a discussion facilitated by Core co-director Dr. Judith Levy and French program coordinator and LASS Chair Dr. Iona Wynter-Parks.
Co-founders of the social action non-profit Win With Justice, Moore’s and Irons’ unique story perfectly illustrated the LASS theme. Their story is recounted in the ESPN 30-for-30 documentary “Breakaway” and their co-memoir, “Love and Justice: A Story of Triumph on Two Different Courts.” In 2022, their first child, Jonathan, Jr. (“JJ”) was born.
They drew on their experience to encourage students to continue fighting injustice, pay attention to the world around them and stand up for those who do not have a voice.
They also spent time with the Oglethorpe women’s basketball team and took time for one-on-one interactions with students after the event.
The LASS schedule for the week included presentations from Hammack School of Business students on their internships, a public speaking competition, an art showcase, a research poster session and thesis presentations from honors students, among other activities.
WNBA icon Maya Moore and members of the Oglethorpe University Women’s Basketball Team
