"Unequal Access to Education" will take place Thursday, March 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the university's Lake View Terrace room in the University Student Union on the east side of campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.

"The idea is to create a 'town hall' atmosphere so this presentation can create a dialogue," said Kristina Davey, a graduate student and event co-coordinator. "We would like to give (audience members) an opportunity to raise their voices and be heard on these issues."

The discussion will be framed around the 20th anniversary of the publication "A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform," a 1983 study of the American education system that was sanctioned by the U.S. government.

Event speakers will assess initiatives that have infringed equal education opportunities for African-Americans and other historically disadvantaged groups, Davey said.

"Our key consideration is 'equal opportunity' in access to higher education and equal opportunity for all, at the same time that we look at doors now being slammed shut," Davey said.

Speakers also will discuss the effects of eliminating the 23-campus California State University Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which has been threatened by budget cuts.

"This is a decision that will affect many communities," Davey said. "This would greatly alter high school and community college students' access to higher education. If the program is cut, this will increase the unequal distribution of educational opportunities and keep many students from attending college."

The event speakers include California Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally; Herb Wesson, California Assembly Speaker; Bishop Edward Turner; David Horne, chair of CSUN's Pan African Studies department; Pan African Studies professor Johnie Scott; representatives from the EOP; and alumni.

Event parking is $4 in lot G4, off of Zelzah Avenue.

For more information about the event, call Kristina Davey at (818) 677-6578 or e-mail knowledgeispower@yahoo.com.