LEWISTON – Lewiston-Auburn College will host an afternoon “teach-in” Thursday to educate people about the Mideast, the war in Iraq and what they can do in response to the war.

Organizers hope to gather opponents and proponents of the war for discussion.

The first panel will begin at 3 p.m. and will cover background and context. Panel members will discuss the media’s role in the war, will offer background information on Islam and the Middle East and will discuss reconstruction efforts in Iraq. They will also discuss the war’s impact on civil liberties in America. Panelists will include college professors, a private contractor who recently returned from Iraq and a representative from the Maine Civil Liberties Union.

The second panel will begin at 4:45 p.m. and focus on actions people can take in response to the war. It will include a question and answer session, as well as information on ways to take action locally or online. Lawmakers and activists will serve on the panel. Maine’s congressional delegation has also been invited.

Co-sponsored by activist organizations and campus associations, the event is free and open to the public. A free, supervised children’s program will be available with storytelling, drawing and multicultural activities.

The teach-in will run from 3 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. held in room 170 at Lewiston-Auburn College in Lewiston.

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What: Teach-in for Peace and Action

When: Thursday, March 22

Where: Lewiston-Auburn College, Lewiston