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Former U.S. Representative Barney Frank to Speak at Duke

Former Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank will discuss the current state of politics in the U.S. in a talk on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy.

The talk, which is open to the public, begins at 6 p.m. in the Sanford School’s Fleishman Commons. Parking will be available for a fee in the Science Drive Visitor Lot.

The talk, titled “The Fight for a Fair Society: Is Pragmatism a Betrayal?”, will be followed by a reception and book signing. The lecture will be the keynote event during a week-long visit by Frank to Duke.

Frank, a Democrat, spent 32 years in Congress and served most recently as the ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee. One of his most impactful achievements was sponsoring the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, which resulted in a sweeping reform of the United States financial industry and led to improved financial stability and consumer protection.

In addition, Frank married someone from the same sex one year before retiring from Congress, making him one of the most prominent gay politicians in the U.S. He is the author of four books, most recently a memoir titled “Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to Same-Sex Marriage.”

“Barney Frank is one of those rare congressmen who is known both for his strong commitment to supporting the ethical ideals which he holds dear, such as achieving the fair and equal treatment of LBGT Americans, while at the same time managing to succeed in enacting major legislation of wide public benefit on other substantive issues.” said Joel Fleishman, professor of law and public policy and director of Duke’s Samuel & Ronnie Heyman Center for Ethics, Public Policy and the Professions.

Frederick W. Mayer, director of POLIS: Duke’s Center for Political Leadership, Innovation, and Service, will introduce the former congressman.

The Oct. 24 event is sponsored by the Samuel & Ronnie Heyman Center for Ethics, Public Policy and the Professions, in collaboration with the Kenan Institute for Ethics, POLIS and the Sanford School.

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