
Social Justice Posts
Do We Need a Domestic Terrorism Law?
Brief #5—Social Justice
By Zach Huffman
President Joe Biden said that among his first priorities in office will be to pass a domestic terrorism law. Renewed interest in anti-terrorism legislation comes after frenzied attendees from President Donald Trump’s January 6 rally in Washington DC, rioted at the Capitol while Congress was confirming the electoral votes from last November’s election. The insurrectionist crowd breached the capital, with so-called protesters breaking into legislators’ offices and ransacking the building.
Progress in Policing in 2020
Brief #4—Social Justice
By Laura Plummer
Two-thousand and twenty was a year defined by unprecedented hardship. A deadly global pandemic ravaged the country and crippled whole sectors of the economy. A contentious presidential election divided the nation, and killings of black and brown people by police officers sparked yearlong protests against police brutality.
The Black Lives Matter movement gained popular support last year as it exposed the systemic racism inherent in American policing. More than any previous year, communities started organizing to demand comprehensive police reform and to hold their leaders and elected officials accountable. The following list explores the progress achieved in policing in 2020 at the federal and state levels.
Breonna Taylor Case Update
Brief #3—Social Justice
By Erika Shannon
On March 13, 2020, Breonna Taylor was sleeping in her home when Louisville, Kentucky police executed a no-knock search warrant.
Alternatives to Deadly Force: Tasers
Brief #2—Social Justice
By Laura Plummer
On Oct. 26, Philadelphia police shot and killed Walter Wallace Jr. in broad daylight. In a viral video of the incident, Wallace can be seen approaching officers with a knife.
New Defense Authorization Act Calls for the Taking Down of Confederate Monuments at Military Bases
Brief #1—Social Justice
By Erika Shannon
With 2020 finally coming to a close, many of us are beginning to look ahead to 2021. It is a new year with a new president and new possibilities for our country
Police Wall of Shame: The Philadelphia Police Department
Brief #22—Criminal Justice
By Laura Plummer
Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the U.S. and the largest city in Pennsylvania. It has a population of just over 1.5 million, with roughly equal percentages of Black and white citizens (42 and 41 percent respectively).
FBI Hate Crime Statistics, 2019
Brief #21—Criminal Justice
By Erika Shannon
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has put out their annual report on hate crimes in the United States.
Despite Apparent Joe Biden Victory, Trump Supporters Flock to the Streets
Brief #20—Criminal Justice
By Erika Shannon
In the past weeks, there has been some confusion about who our next President truly is
2020 Presidential Election Motivates Both Sides to Protest
Brief #19—Criminal Justice
By Erika Shannon
This past week, tensions have been rising here in the U.S. while everyone impatiently awaits the result of the 2020 presidential election.