April 5 at 6:15 p.m. will mark the Meeting of the Minds for the discussion on the term “birthing persons.” The event will be hosted by Wild for Life and held at the Kanter Student Center in the Frey Conference Suite at Wayne State College.  

Teresa Morales, a professor of communication and rhetoric, and Becky Zavada, a professor of English and philosophy, will be having a forum discussion followed by a Q&A from the audience.  

Morales has recently written a paper titled “Rhetorical Iconoclasm: The desecration of motherhood.” Her paper presents the claim that if birthing is reduced to merely a biological definition and understanding, then motherhood is disregarded, thus leading to a degrading of maternal values in society. However, Zavada plans to provide critique to Morales’s ideas, giving students and the community ideas on how to conceptualize and articulate the problem.  

The Meeting of the Minds plans to serve as a forum for discussion on controversial issues in society, leading to a deeper understanding of the issue on both sides. Ultimately, both professors desire to provide the audience with examples of how to think deeply about the topics discussed and encourage an environment that is friendly to seeking truth through discussion.  

This will mark the first Meeting of the Minds at WSC in hopes that it will continue. Freewill donations will be accepted by the Wild for Life club to help continue these forums and other activities. All are welcome.