As the U.S. Supreme Court begins deliberations on whether towns have the constitutional authority to ban homeless encampments on public property, a Town Hall gathering organized under the auspices of a new ‘America 250’ initiative invites the public to share points of view on this topic in a carefully constructed civil debate led by “Constitutional Wrangler” Meg Mott PhD.

The Town Hall poses the question: ‘Is it Unconstitutional to Ban Homeless Encampments?’ It will be held from 6:30 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 15th at Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St., Brattleboro and is free and open to everyone.

The event is the first in a series of Town Halls convened by Windham World Affairs Councils and Brooks Memorial Library to stimulate public dialogue leading up to the statewide and national ‘America 250’ semiquincentennial anniversary of the founding of the United States. The series focuses on the founding ideals in the Declaration of Independence – equality, liberty, safety, and happiness – and how those ideals can guide us in strengthening our democracy at a time when the urge to demonize our opponents is on the rise.

Background materials for the Town Hall discussions can be found at the WWAC website under ‘News and Events / America 250.’ Anyone interested in participating in this America 250 effort and/or joining WWAC or serving on the WWAC board are welcome and encouraged to contact WWAC at windhamworldaffairscouncil@gmail.com or to call Administrative Director Susan Healy at 781-422-9485.

For 64 years, Windham World Affairs Council has brought the world to Windham County. We build community engagement, dialogue, and resilience by helping people understand complicated issues that manifest globally and locally. Through ongoing programs such as salons, youth and teacher support, and a monthly speaker series led by global experts, we build intergenerational and cross-cultural social connections to create a more inclusive and engaged community. As an independent, nonpartisan organization with an all-volunteer board and a growing dues-paying membership, we present all events, free of charge, to the public and participate as an official chapter of the national World Affairs Councils of America.