Lone Star College-University Park’s ReadUP program will host a signature author event featuring Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha Tuesday, Nov. 19. The event is open to LSC-University Park students, employees and community partners. As part of the annual program, the college is focusing attention on environmental issues and the impact on underserved communities.

Dr. Hanna-Attisha will discuss her book, “What the Eyes Don’t See,” which chronicles the Flint, Michigan, water crisis. Participants will be able to ask Dr. Hanna-Attisha questions about her inspiring story. 

“We are excited to have Dr. Hanna-Attisha on campus to share her powerful message about civic duty and environmental sustainability with our students, faculty, staff and community partners,” said Dr. Shah Ardalan, LSC-University Park president. “Our faculty are passionate about developing engaged global citizens. At LSC-University Park, we strive to serve our students not only through academics, but through cultural and civic opportunities.”

LSC-University Park’s ReadUP program is a faculty-driven initiative that celebrates the joy of reading and encourages all members of the campus to participate in an interdisciplinary collaboration that builds the relationship between academic learning and campus and community involvement. Selected books are incorporated into academic instruction across multiple disciplines, serve as a focal point for campus events and discussions and create civic engagement opportunities.

The book is a nonfiction account of Dr. Hanna-Attisha’s discovery of toxic lead levels in the Flint drinking water. Dr. Hanna-Attisha connected how polluted water and adverse environmental issues negatively impacted the youngest and most vulnerable children at the highest risk. Upon publicly sharing her studies and assertions predicting the impending community health crisis, Dr. Hanna-Attisha was met with criticism and denial from political and industry officials. 

“Reading ‘What the Eyes Don’t See’ was a humbling experience,” said Kristie Musgrove Boston, an LSC-University Park English professor and the ReadUP committee chair. “Dr. Hanna-Attisha is an immigrant from Iraq and a whistleblower, advocating for the very poor against the State of Michigan, other state agencies and decriers of facts. She never relented to push for dramatic change. She had science on her side and a champion’s spirit.” 

LSC-University Park faculty were asked to find academically relevant ways to introduce the book to their curriculum. Examples this fall include assigning the book with a review, conducting water sample tests, hosting open forums online to discuss the book, and looking for areas in the community that require special attention.

When asked, “Why this book?” Boston stated the book was selected from a pool of nearly 25 nominated books and met specific criteria.

“The selections must be current, have won some critical acclaim, and boast a live author willing to make an appearance at LSC-University Park,” said Boston. “The committee also considers books that offer opportunities to make the story real and personal to students from all walks of life and along all paths of study.”

The college integrates academic and social experiences to increase awareness and engagement on campus and beyond the classroom.

“Rich and engaging offerings like Dr. Hanna-Attisha’s presentation and ReadUP events help us to take a holistic approach to educating students,” said Dr. Ardalan. “They provide students with a tremendous opportunity to experience and hear directly from nationally recognized speakers on issues that are of great importance to our community and to the nation.”

As part of this year’s activities, ReadUP brought Colette Pichon Battle, founder, president and executive director of the Louisiana-based Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy, to the college in late October. In her presentation, “Why Water Matters: Social Justice & Water in Houston,” Battle highlighted the negative effects of climate change and how environmental degradation affects low-income populations.

Last year, the ReadUP committee selected “Educated: A Memoir” by bestselling author Dr. Tara Westover. Nearly 250 students, faculty, staff and community members attended the presentation and book signing. This year’s selection, “What the Eyes Don’t See,” continues the college’s tradition of bringing acclaimed authors to speak about topical and current societal issues.

Community colleges play a significant role in American society, enroll almost half of all U.S. undergraduate students, and are essential for workforce training. They also serve as fertile ground for cultural conversations and community discussions that will help shape future leaders who will solve the issues of tomorrow.

For more information on Dr. Hanna-Attisha, visit www.prhspeakers.com. Visit LoneStar.edu/UP-ReadUP to learn about LSC-University Park’s ReadUP program.