I generally don’t write about events or activities in which I am involved, but, on occasion, I think it’s acceptable.

On Aug. 9, the Center for International Business Education and Research at Kansas University will put on a symposium which I think will interest many readers. The title of the symposium is “Labor, Slavery, Ethics and Human Rights.” Over the past 20 years, much has been written about “globalization” and the growing interconnectedness between nations. The whole subject of the globalization of our economy is quite controversial, with many convinced that it will bring a new prosperity to the world and others convinced that it will bring on a new dark age of depression and poverty.

But as economists, lawyers and diplomats debate the merits of this phenomenon, more and more American corporations do business abroad. American farmers become more dependent on global markets, and many Americans find themselves involved in the global economy. But as we do become more involved in the world economy, we must become more aware of how international business and human rights interact. The purpose of this symposium is to explore these and related issues.

There will be a fascinating series of talks and speakers at the symposium. The symposium begins with a presentation by Ruth Rosenbaum, executive director of the Center for Reflection, Education and Action in Hartford, Conn. Rosenbaum and CREA are leaders in the fight to guarantee “sustainable living wages” for workers throughout the world. Rosenbaum will speak on “Labor, Slavery and Human Rights in the World Today.”

The second speaker will be Steven Epstein, the Ahmanson-Murphy professor of medieval history at KU. Epstein is one of the leading historians of European slavery in the United States. He will talk on “Slavery, Work and Human Rights: An Historical Perspective.”

The third speaker will be Steven Sheppard, professor at the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Ark. Sheppard, an expert on international and comparative law, will speak on “Crimes, Slavery and Custom.”

The fourth speaker will be Michelle McKinley, a visiting lecturer at the Kansas University’s law school. McKinley, an anthropologist and lawyer, has done extensive field work in South America on the rights of women. She will speak on “The Exploitation of Women in the Third World Today.”

And I’ll finish up the symposium with a talk on “The Legal Ethics of Representing ‘Evil’ Clients.”

Lawrence has seen much discussion on “living wage laws” locally. This symposium will bring an international perspective and more to these questions. The symposium is free and open to all interested parties. While reservations are not required, a telephone call to 864-3125 or e-mail to mlemmons@ku.edu will guarantee a seat. And for those lawyers who want a jump on this year’s CLE requirements, we’ve applied for one hour of ethics credit from the Kansas Ethics Commission. I hope to see many of you there.