Take Action Institute’s virtual event with Eric Vaughn

Original Program Date: March 27, 2022

About the Program:

What are the details and impact of the recent FL legislation including the “don’t say Gay bill” and the “woke act?” Join the Holocaust Center’s Take Action Institute as we share education and suggestions for action. We are joined by educator Eric Vaughan, Director of Programs at Community Tampa Bay, professor for community journalism at the University of South Florida, and past Director of LGBTQ and Policies for the New York City Department of Education. We are also joined by local activist, Will Larkin, high school Junior who serves on t executive board of Voters of Tomorrow FL and is the president and cofounder of Winter Park High School’s Queer Student Union. They recently testified against the bill in front of the Florida House Appropriations Committee.

Bio:

Eric currently serves as the Director of Programs at Community Tampa Bay. In addition, Eric teaches community journalism and food writing courses at the University of South Florida -St. Petersburg. Previously, Eric worked as the Director of LGBTQ Programs and Polices for the New York City Department of Education ensuring students across NYC were affirmed and safe in schools. He has a passion for working with youth and has worked as a high school teacher as well as within several nonprofits dedicated to the empowerment of youth voice and advocacy. Eric is passionate about food, literature, and social justice. In his spare time, Eric enjoys writing, bike riding around St. Petersburg and traveling.

Eric has a BA in English Literature and received a double masters in Social Justice and Digital Communication from the University of South Florida- St. Petersburg.