University Communications

Environmental justice advocate Erin Brockovich, whose life story inspired an Oscar-winning film, will headline the final event of the University Forum’s fall 2024 series at The University of Southern Mississippi. Brockovich is scheduled to speak about the ongoing water crisis in the United States, with a particular focus on Mississippi, on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in Bennett Auditorium on the university’s Hattiesburg campus. The event is free and open to the public.
Brockovich gained national attention for her role in exposing 30 years of water contamination in Hinkley, California, caused by Pacific Gas & Electric. Her efforts resulted in one of the largest direct-action lawsuit settlements in U.S. history. Since then, she has continued her work as a consultant on pollution-related cases and is the author of two books, including the New York Times bestseller Take It From Me: Life’s A Struggle, But You Can Win and her latest, Superman’s Not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do About It.
Brockovich remains a prominent voice in the fight against water pollution and corporate negligence.
“The movie, starring Julia Roberts, ensured we all would remember her name, but Erin Brockovich’s commitment to environmental justice runs deeper and has lasted longer than the flickering images on the theater screen,” said University Forum Director Dr. Andrew Haley. “As our infrastructure ages and the climate warms, our water remains polluted. An inspiration and an activist, Erin Brockovich believes we all need to play a role in the fight for clean, plentiful water. Join us as she calls us all to action.”
Students at USM expressed enthusiasm about Brockovich’s upcoming visit.
“I feel like she will encourage and educate those who don’t know about the water crisis in Mississippi,” said USM student Amarrie Bland. “Me personally, I feel like there is something wrong with the water in Hattiesburg. And hopefully, she’ll educate us more on things like that.”
Marcus Augus, another student, said, “As long as she is coming here for good intentions and trying to help people and the water crisis, I feel like that’s a great thing.”
Michela Guidali, also a USM student, added, “I think it’s a great opportunity for students to learn something that is not discussed much in the region.”
University officials also highlighted the importance of bringing diverse voices to the University Forum.
“I think it’s important that our students are exposed to different speakers, and it is good to have diverse speakers come give their history and their insight on what they’ve experienced and how it can impact the world,” said Dr. Delores McNair, USM’s Assistant Director of Community & Belonging. “Students then have the opportunity to ask questions that are relevant to them.”
Brockovich’s appearance is part of USM’s ongoing effort to engage the campus and broader community with impactful speakers.