Panel discussion on environmental injustice in Niagara Falls coming to Niagara University

Niagara University will host a panel discussion Oct. 15 intended to consider the legacies of environmental injustice in Niagara Falls and to determine strategies for empowering the community.

"Love Canal and Beyond" will take place Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Gallagher Center's multipurpose room on the NU campus. The free event is open to the public.

Panelists will reflect on how Niagara Falls residents were able to organize to respond to the toxic threats of the Love Canal community in the 1970s and 1980s, how hazardous conditions continue to threaten local citizens, and how the lessons and strategies of Love Canal can be applied to today's environmental dangers.

Panelists include:

• Stephen Lester, science director, Center for Health and Environmental Justice
• Luella Kenny, former Love Canal resident
• Rebecca Newberry, executive director, Clean Air Coalition
• Paul Dyster, mayor of Niagara Falls

The Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University, will offer introductory remarks on Pope Francis' encyclical and its connection to local environmental efforts.

Preceding the panel discussion, local environmental groups will have informational tables set up on the lower level of the Gallagher Center.

The event is sponsored by the Niagara University political science department and the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M. Institute for Civic Engagement.

Questions may be addressed to Dr. David Reilly, chair of NU's political science department, at [email protected] or 716-286-8088.