On Friday, October 2nd, the department’s Dr. Michael Faber participated in “Graphs, Geometry, and Gerrymandering: Mathematics of Political Districting,” an event sponsored by the Department of Mathematics and Political Science, the Honors College, and the Common Experience. The event was keynoted by Washington State University’s Dr. Daryl DeFord, who spoke on the “Mathematics of Political Districting.” Dr. DeFords’s talk was followed a panel in which Dr. Faber participated. Faber’s presentation focused on “how the effects of eliminating gerrymandering would likely be small” given the general ideological splits between urban and rural areas. Other panelists detailed specific lobbying efforts to change the districting process in Texas, the history of race and redistricting, and the City of Austin’s recent change from at-large council seats to districts. Approximately 110 students and 60 faculty members from many different majors gathered to listen to the discussion and ask questions of the panelists.
