Pizza and Politics

Pizza and Politics is a laid-back, students-only program featuring local professionals and free pizza! Pizza and Politics unites KU students with experts in various fields from voting rights to environmental policy to economics, so there’s something for everyone! At these informal events, students get an in-depth look at relevant issues, and they are encouraged to ask questions and interact with the guests. Pizza and Politics programs occur on the KU campus from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. 4 times per semester. Come late or leave early, just don’t miss out! Join us at one of our upcoming programs:

Mind Matters: The Evolving Landscape of Gun Laws

Guests: Rep. Jo Ella Hoye and Senator Chase Blasi

  • Tuesday, April 2, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
  • Dole Institute of Politics

What’s Up with the KS Legislature?

Guests: Katie Bernard and John Hanna 

  • Friday, April 12, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
  • Centennial Room in the Kansas Union

Spring 2024 Pizza & Politics

Homeless Insights and Initiatives in Douglas County

Friday, February 9, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Guests: Mayor Larsen and Misty Bosch-Hastings

Behind the Bench: Navigating the Scotus Docket

Monday, March 4, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Guests: Amii Castle & Stephen Mcallister

Fall 2023 Pizza & Politics

The Economic Puzzle: Piecing Together the Past and the Future 

Friday, November 3

Guest: Alex Richard

Unmasking Violence: Kansas City’s Road to Safety 

Friday, November 17

Guests: John Hamilton and Rick Armstrong

Kansas Legislative Forecast for the 2024 Session 

Friday, December 1

Guest: Representative Rui Xu (D)

Spring 2023 Pizza & Politics

Youth and the Future of Democracy: A Global Perspective 

Friday, February 17

Guests: Dr. Qëndrim Gashi and Dr. Pëllumb Kelmendi

Supreme Court Spotlight 

Friday, March 3

Guest: Judge Toby Crouse

What’s Up with the Kansas Legislature? 

Friday, April 14

Guests: Katie Bernard and Dylan Lysen

The American Prison System 

Friday, April 28

Esmie Tseng and Leslie Butch

Fall 2022 Pizza & Politics

The Road to the ADA and Modern Disability Advocacy 

Friday, Setember 16

Guests: Marthe Hodgesmith and Ray Petty

 In Conversation about School and Parents’ Rights 

Friday, October 21

Guests: Ann Mah and Erica Hill

Lawrence and the Rising Cost of Living 

Friday, October 28

Guest: Courtney Shipley

All Things Internships 

Friday, November 18

Guests: Emily Depew, Alec Feather, and Patrick Miller

Spring 2022 Pizza & Politics

The Pros and Cons of Raising the Federal Minimum Wage 

Friday, March 4

Guest: Dr. Jo Lugovsky

We Talk, You Listen: Listening to the First Americans

Friday, March 25

Guest: Dr. Dan Wildcat

Supreme Court Spotlight: What’s on the Docket? 

Friday, April 8

Guests: Sharon Brett and Lumen Mulligan

What’s Up with the Kansas Legislature? 

Friday, April 15

Guests: Jonathan Shorman and Andrew Bahl

Fall 2021 Pizza & Politics

Pros and Cons of the Green New Deal

Friday, October 8

Guests: Ed Cross and Dorothy Marie Daley

The Importance of Voting

Friday, October 22

Guest: Jaime Shew, Douglas County Clerk

The Economic Impacts of Student Loans and Student Loan Forgiveness

Friday, October 29

Guest: Jo Lugovskyy

Addressing Homelessness in Lawrence

Friday, November 12

Guest: Brad Finkeldei, Mayor of Lawrence

Fall 2020 Pizza & Politics

Voting in a Pandemic

Friday, October 9th, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Guest: Douglas County Clerk Jaime Shew

What’s Happening to Democracy in Hong Kong?

Friday, November 13th, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Guest: Virginia Harper How

Pizza, Politics, and Pups

Friday, December 4th, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Guests: Shannon Wells and Teresa Johnson of the Lawrence Humane Society

Spring 2020 Pizza & Politics

An Insider’s Guide to Intelligence: 2000-2020

Friday, February 21st, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Guest: Ron Marks

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