About the 30th Barbara Jordan National Forum
Students at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin will pay tribute to the life and legacy of former congresswoman, distinguished public servant and teacher Barbara Jordan during the 30th annual Barbara Jordan National Forum (BJNF) throughout the week of February 23 - February 27.
The theme of the 2026 celebration, "No Idle Spectators: My Faith in the Constitution is Whole" comes from the Barbara Jordan remarks on impeachment during the 1974 Nixon impeachment hearings.
Jordan said, "My faith in the Constitution is whole, it is complete, it is total, and I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction of the Constitution. It is reason and not passion which must guide our deliberations, guide our debate, and guide our decision.”
The Forum, which is student-led and organized, includes a series of lectures and events, the presentation of the Barbara Jordan Public Service award, and a day of volunteerism.
Barbara Jordan National Forum Student Leaders
The week-long forum is organized by LBJ School students elected by their peers to represent the ethical public service leadership and commitment to community that define Barbara Jordan's legacy.
Meet the 2026 Barbara Jordan National Forum Student Co-Chairs:
Miles Baker, MPAff '26
Focus Areas: Sustainability, climate, and urban policy
"One of the things that inspires me most about Barbara Jordan is her integrity and ethics as a public servant. Her unwavering commitment to her principles is inspiring and something I hope to emulate in my career. I was motivated to be a co-chair because of the legacy of Barbara Jordan. Having the opportunity to be part of her legacy and honor her was a major motivating factor for me. "
Lisa Napper, MPAff '27
Focus Areas: Child and economic policy
"I’m inspired by [Barbara Jordan's] bold, clear vision, and passion for people. There is so much to take from her legacy, and I wanted to help share that as a BJNF chair.
There will be something for everyone. Panels focused on practical tools, opportunities to volunteer, chances to learn directly from Barbara Jordan’s curriculum, and an art show. We hope people connect in the spirit of Barbara Jordan."
Tristan Stitt, MGPS '27
Focus Areas: Economic justice and human rights policy
"Barbara Jordan is a major role model of mine. It is an honor to be a part of something that honors the life and legacy of someone so brilliant and determined to not let a mountain of adversity stop her.
This forum is an opportunity zoom out and see the bigger picture; to reflect on historic challenges, or even tragedies, and the solutions that followed. These lessons learned are what the LBJ School is all about."
Event Schedule:
Monday, February 23, 2026
Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation Luncheon: "Women Who Master the Rules”
Time: 12:00–1:00 PM
Location: SRH 3.B10
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Community Conversation: "Moving from Idle to Action”
Time: 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Bass Lecture Hall
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Barbara Jordan Masterclass: Lecturer - Commissioner Ann Howard
Time: 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: SRH 3.B10
Thursday, February 26, 2026
30th Annual Barbara Jordan National Forum Keynote: "No Idle Spectators: My Faith in the Constitution is Whole"
Time: 12:00 PM–2:30 PM
Location: Bass Lecture Hall
Friday, February 27, 2026
Art is Activism Art Show: "No Idle Spectators"
Time: 7:00- 10:00 pm
Location: LBJ School of Public Affairs - North and South Lobbies
The Barbara Jordan Legacy
Barbara Jordan taught at the LBJ School of Public Affairs from 1979 to 1996 as the Lyndon B. Johnson Centennial Chair of Public Policy. It was the final chapter of her long career as a public servant, civil rights leader, educator and policymaker who worked tirelessly for social justice and integrity in public service. Her contributions to history and to the education of future change-makers act as a lodestar to the School and its mission.
During the 28th forum, LBJ School proudly debuted a brand new oral history project celebrating the legacy of Barbara Jordan in collaboration with the Drag Audio Production House.
'Remembering Professor Barbara Jordan: An LBJ School Oral History' is a collection of first-hand experiences with the iconic trailblazer, both inside and outside the classroom, as told by her former LBJ students, including professors, attorneys, commissioners, a NASA specialist, and more.
"A great teacher is with you forever….in the beliefs you hold, in the way you think things through and in the actions you take." -DeAnn Friedholm (MPAff ’79)
Join us in remembering the incredible life and legacy of LBJ Professor Barbara Jordan: