Feminist scholar and author Gloria Steinem's speech tonight at Behrend College will be broadcast live to University Park students as part of Ebony and Ivory Week.

"(Steinem) has the ability to discuss innovating and controversial issues in a way that doesn't put people on the defensive," said Judi Curley, staff associate for the University Center for Student Involvement and Leadership.

The program, which will be shown at 8 p.m. in 109 Willard and 308 Boucke, will provide an understanding about the feminist movement for people intimidated by it, said Sidney Toombs, member of the Ebony and Ivory Week Planning Committee.

After the speech, a telephone question and answer period will allow students at University Park to talk with Steinem.

Steinem first became well known as a journalist and later founded Ms. magazine, where she served as editor. She was also a co-founder of New York magazine and is respected for her non-fiction writing and scholarship on women's issues. Her latest book is Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions.

The purpose of Ebony and Ivory Week was originally to address issues of race but in recent years the week's events have been expanded to address other "isms" said Toombs.