The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin continues to host first-in-class experiences as a destination public policy school in the nation. Throughout the year, the LBJ School has welcomed many top change-makers and policy leaders from both sides of the aisle, while also giving students access to unique events and educational simulations.
One-of-a-Kind Experiences
60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act
President Joe Biden spoke as part of the 60th anniversary celebration of the Civil Rights Act. The event was hosted by the LBJ Presidential Library to commemorate the groundbreaking legislation signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.
The event featured performances by local musicians and a reading by actor Bryan Cranston in addition to the keynote address by President Biden.
Genius: MLK/X Premiere
LBJ Professor Peniel Joseph’s seminal work is the basis of National Geographic/Disney+ Series ‘Genius: MLK/X’. Based on Dr. Joseph’s book, The Sword and The Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Genius: MLK/X follows both King and X from their formative years, to their rich, parallel stories as they shaped their identities and became the change they wished to see in the world.
MGPS Global Crisis Simulation
Students role-play as a set of global actors in a simulation of an international crisis, offering hands-on experience in negotiation, teamwork and crisis management. Led by LBJ School faculty, which includes former ambassadors and international diplomats, students are grouped through the perspective of different nations to work toward solving a simulated international crisis.
Latino Policy Research Symposium
The inaugural student-led LBJ Latino Policy Research Symposium focused on critical issues affecting the Latino community in Texas and the United States. Topics included immigration policies, healthcare disparities, the 2024 election, environmental justice, and education. Read more
Tribute to a Trailblazer
The month-long Barbara Jordan National 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. This year's keynote speaker was Dr. Ruth Simmons, a Distinguished Presidential Fellow at Rice University and Adviser to the President of Harvard University on HBCU Initiatives.
Barbara Jordan Oral History
From lessons in ethics and constructive feedback to backyard barbecues and soulful singalongs, the LBJ alumni who “survived” Barbara Jordan’s classes at The University of Texas reflect on the enduring influence she had on their careers and personal journeys. Her legacy is beautifully chronicled by her former students here.
A Destination for Policy Leaders
Renewing Democracy
Through the leadership of The Patman Center for Civic and Political Engagement, the LBJ School has welcomed over 30 policy leaders and change-makers to campus this semester to share their insight and knowledge with both our students and community. Renewing Democracy features bipartisan conversations on effective civic leadership with today’s political professionals.
Conversations with the Candidates
Evan Smith, co-founder and former CEO of The Texas Tribune and now a Professor of Practice, leads the Conversations with the Candidates speaker series for LBJ students, the class typically features some of the most powerful and celebrated names in politics and policy as guests. Featured guests include Congressman Tony Gonzalez, Congressman Joaquin Castro, Texas State Rep. Julie Johnson and District Attorney José Garza.
Upcoming Events
