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LOW-WAGE AMERICA’S QUIET DESPERATION IS TOPIC OF UPCOMING SYMPOSIUM AT STATEN ISLAND ACADEMY

August 2005 – The nightmare realties of minimum-wage living in America is the subject of a panel discussion to be held at Staten Island Academy on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. in the Haugen Hall Theater. Admission is free and open to the public.

Based on the acclaimed bestseller, Nickel and Dimed -- On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich, ‘life on the edge’ is given new meaning by millions of low-wage earners who often do not have enough to eat and wander from one rundown motel to another. Ms. Ehrenreich experienced their struggles firsthand by traveling around the country, working a variety of backbreaking, menial jobs.

“After requiring Nickel and Dimed as summer reading for our high school, we decided to take it a step further and organize an event in order to increase awareness for our entire community,” says Linda Coleman, Chair of the English Department at the Academy. “We believe the complexities of class and the working poor should be an important part of every student’s education before they embark on the outside world.”

Guest panelists include Dr. Jayne Dean, Associate Professor of Economics at Wagner College, and community activist Reverend Willard G. Nichols of Project Hospitality.

“We’re delighted to welcome such a distinguished panel, each of whom will offer their special perspectives on class in America and labor economics,” says Donald Knies, Head of the Upper School. “In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, this is an especially timely topic.”

Parents, faculty and students are expected to attend as well as other members of the Staten Island community.

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For further information, please contact Alice Doyle at 718.303.7813 adoyle@statenislandacademy.org.