Professors participated in a panel discussion on recent presidents and the civil rights movement, chaired by Professor Johns. Richard Pacelle focused on the Reagan administration and the Office of the Solicitor General. Robert Smith's speech addressed the effect of the Reagan administration on the Clinton administration's policies on welfare reform and affirmative action. Charles Zelden spoke on the disputed 2000 presidential election. Following their remarks, the panelists responded to audience members' questions.

This was part of Florida Atlantic University's third annual Alan B. Larkin Symposium on the American Presidency "Civil Rights and the Presidency: From Nixon to Obama."