New institute at UDC explores politics and history, and it’s giving us a front row seat

by Andrea Gudeon

The intersection of policy and politics has a new home at the University of the District of Columbia – and you don’t need to wait long to visit our new neighbor.

The Institute of Politics, Policy and History (IPPH), a new nonpartisan institute launched earlier this year at UDC, will present “Historical Inflection Point: Women in the House,” a panel discussion on March 26 at 7 p.m. in UDC’s Theater of the Arts auditorium.

Moderated by political commentator and former RNC chairman Michael Steele, the discussion will delve into the history of women as elected officials in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the role gender equity plays in the future prospects and politics of the United States. Invited panelists include Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Rep. Elizabeth Cheney (R-Wyo.), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), former Rep. Connie Morella (D-Md.), and Jamey Ann Piland, associate professor and director of women’s studies at Trinity Washington University.

An April 23 event, “A Nation Divided,” will focus on the deep political divides in the wake of the 2018 mid-term elections and compare the environment to pre-Civil War.

IPPH consists of five programs examining the touchstone issues of the day – including two speakers series, resident and visiting fellows programs, and an internship program – and will provide opportunities for students and the community to interact with respected historians and practitioners of politics and public policy.

“Through the Institute of Politics, Policy and History, we can tap into the experiences of our residents, leaders and communities to give more Washingtonians the opportunity to participate in building a stronger and more inclusive Washington, D.C.,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser at the Institute’s launch ceremony in January. Bowser also will give a welcome address at the March 26 event.

Among the leaders lending their talents to the Institute is former D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt, who is leading the effort to build out the programming. And IPPH’s Senior Advisory Committee is co-chaired by Steele and Karen Tramontano, co-founder and chief executive officer at Blue Star Strategies and former deputy chief of staff to President Clinton.

“As the public University in and for the District, we are honored to partner in the establishment of this Institute,” UDC President Ronald Mason said in a press release. “It offers an opportunity for our students and faculty, as well as the citizens of this community and the nation, to study and celebrate the unique past, present and future of the nation’s capital.”

Learn more about IPPH’s programs and events at ipph.org.