On February 24, 2017, Texas A&M Law Review will ​host a luncheon presentation with Dr. Temple Grandin ​preceded by a roundtable discussion with Dr. Bonnie Beaver from Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biological Sciences and Professor Heidi Hurd from the University of Illinois College of Law.

Law Professor and Texas A&M Law Review faculty advisor Lisa Rich said the idea to invite Grandin originated with the publication’s former editor, Brent Doré ’16.

Doré said he felt there was a real opportunity to have Grandin speak to a legal audience about the frustrations she has experienced trying to get her policy initiatives effectively promulgated into law.

Rich concurred.

“As lawyers, we often hear the lament that we take a very simple, straightforward idea and make it so complicated that the original meaning is lost and the average person cannot understand what we have done,” Rich said. “Dr. Grandin is going to share her insights about this and make suggestions about how we can better do our jobs.”

Rich emphasized that the focus of Grandin’s discussion carries applicability far beyond agricultural statutes and policies.

“Whether one works in agriculture law or elsewhere, communicating clearly and concisely is important,” Rich said.

Prior to Grandin’s luncheon presentation, Dr. Bonnie Beaver of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biological Sciences and Professor Heidi Hurd of the University of Illinois College of Law will co-host a roundtable discussion exploring Grandin’s work.

Beaver is a veterinary behaviorist who has written on topics such as the humane handling of cattle and its benefits not only to the cattle but to the farm (or ranch) as a whole, particularly with respect to safety and productivity. Hurd has extensive legal and scholarly expertise in the areas of environmental ethics, moral philosophy and environmental law that provides a basis for her teaching and writing about environmental law and environmental ethics.

“Both Dr. Beaver and Professor Hurd are considered premier voices in their particular disciplines, and it is a great pleasure for us to have them joining this event,” Rich said. “Having these experts join us for a roundtable discussion will allow us to consider the issues of animals and the environment from a scientific, moral, legal and regulatory point of view that will prepare the audience for Dr. Grandin’s remarks.” The roundtable also will allow the audience to engage in the important questions that arise from Dr. Grandin’s work.

The event will be open to Texas A&M Law Review students, law faculty and invited guests from agricultural and legal communities.

Rich said the event would not have been possible without the G. Rollie White Trust, which has donated funds to the Texas A&M Law Review to support its agriculture-related symposia and speaking events.

“Dean Andrew Morriss also has been an incredible supporter of the Law Review and its events, and we appreciate all he has done on its behalf,” Rich said. “It is a very great honor for us to have someone as accomplished as Dr. Grandin speaking at the law school and sharing her agriculture expertise with us.”

The roundtable and luncheon presentation will be held in the Magnolia Ballroom at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Fort Worth from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.