Stephen F. Austin State University will host a series of events to educate students and the public on national debt and budget deficit issues during "Debt Week: Spring 2010" April 12-15 on the SFA Campus.

The American Democracy Project at SFA, along with the Student Government Association, Department of Government and the Office of the Provost, will host the event series, which kicks off at 7 p.m., Monday, April 12, with the screening of the movie "I.O.U.S.A." in the Kennedy Auditorium. After the movie, Jeffrey Thiebert, National Grassroots Director and Northeast Regional Director of the nonpartisan Concord Coalition of Washington, D.C. will lead a discussion. Doors will open at 6:40 p.m.

On Wednesday, April 14, Dr. Andrew Yarrow of Public Agenda, a nonpartisan organization based in Washington, D.C., will lead an intergenerational dialogue on "Health Care Reform and the National Debt." The event will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Twilight Ballroom of the Baker Pattillo Student Center.

Both events are free and open to the public. Thiebert and Yarrow also will address SFA classes and student organizations to engage in dialogue about these issues. In addition, the Student Government Association is planning several displays to educate students, faculty, staff and the community about the national debt and budget deficit issues.

SFA is one of eight universities nationwide selected to participate in the "America's Future" Initiative, sponsored by the national American Democracy Project, a collaborative effort of more than 200 universities. The ADP is an effort of the Association of American Colleges and State Universities.

For more information about "Debt Week: Spring 2010" events, contact Dr. Steven Galatas at (936) 468-2003, or email galatasse@sfasu.edu.