In order to a promote a more well informed and civilly active student body, the Ladue Young Democrats sponsored the first of three planned lectures Jan 10. on the various political topics affecting the nation. The lecture, given by Advanced Placement Microeconomics teacher Jim Goldwasser, focused on gerrymandering and the harmful impact it has on democracy in the United States.

The lecture, which lasted about half and hour, was designed to be an easy entry point for students who are not actively involved in politics. The topic of Gerrymandering was chosen because Goldwasser and the Young Democrats believed there was not much awareness in the student body surrounding this issue.  

“Even students who are somewhat interested in politics might not understand the intricacies of gerrymandering,” Goldwasser said. “Hopefully this get students thinking and make them more active citizens.”

The idea for the lecture first came when Goldwasser approached both the Young Democrats and the Young Republicans about Clean Missouri, a constitutional amendment over gerrymandering that voters passed in November. As an issue considered non partisan, senior and Young Democrats president Charlie Yeldham later believed it would be the perfect topic to try to have a more in-depth discussion on.

“Students of all sorts of political backgrounds, whether they’re into politics [or not], can get something out of this lecture series,”  Yeldham said. “It’s always important to learn new things and expand your knowledge on certain issues.”  

The next lectures are set to be Feb. 7 on presidential executive orders, and March 28th on gun violence; these will be given by AP Government and Politics teacher Robert Snidman and math teacher Debra Carson, respectively. Both will be held in the teleconference room at 2:35 p.m.