Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), the U.S. Census Bureau and the City of Tacoma will jointly present “What Box Do I Check on the 2010 Census Form? A Critical Conversation On How Race Matters in America,” an informative session for youth about the college experience and why their contribution to the 2010 Census matters.

Melannie Cunningham, PLU’s associate director of admission, affirms that although the majority of PLU students are white, future classes at the university will look vastly different, thus discussions regarding how race and identity are changing in America - and locally - are necessary.

“The young people have a direct impact on influencing their parents and how to fill out census forms, especially from bilingual families. Educating young people about the census forms and what to fill out and when they eventually fill out themselves helps bring awareness,” Cunningham stated.

The Feb. 27 event will feature members from the U.S. Census, PLU professors and more who will shed light on understanding how census data is collected and how race is used to allocate funding and other resources. The lecture will take place from noon to 2 p.m. following light refreshments.

In addition to the panel discussion, campus tours for prospective students and families will be offered from 2-3:30 p.m. weather permitting. Young Hollywood star Khleo Thomas, who is notable for his roles in films such as “Holes,” will be present to share his experience being from African American and Jewish descent and the importance of being counted in the 2010 Census. Thomas will be available for an autograph session at 3:30 p.m.

For more information and to register for the event, call (253) 535-8716 or e-mail Cunningham@plu.edu.