Social Justice Posts
The New Gun Law Also Helps Address the U.S. Mental Health Crisis
Brief #37 – Social Justice
By Geoffrey Small
On June 25th, 2022, President Joe Biden signed The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The Congressional Bill is a measure touted to address gun safety. However,
this bipartisan legislation is the culmination of almost a decade of mental health advocacy spearheaded by Republican Senator Roy Blunt and Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow. The most effective measure of this bill may be the record $8 billion in funding allocated to school programs and mental health programs.
Shinn v. Martinez Ramirez (2022): Being Innocent of a Crime is Not Enough
Brief #36 – Social Justice
By Alexandra Ellis
n May 25, 2022, the United States Supreme Court released the published opinion of Shinn v. Martinez. The 6-3 opinion has ramifications not only for the defendants in the case, David Martinez Ramirez and Barry Jones, but for post-conviction relief for wrongfully convicted individuals everywhere. The essence of the opinion is that being innocent of a crime is not enough.
Quid Pro Quo Again? And Again? And Again?
Brief #37 – Social Justice
By Maureen Darby-Serson
Over the past couple of weeks, the January 6th committee has been holding public hearings that have revealed several astonishing facts regarding the attack on the US Capital and events after the 2020 Presidential election.
Hate-Motivated Behavior: Impacts, Risk Factors, and Interventions
Brief #35 – Social Justice
By Inijah Quadri
Hate-motivated behavior, or hate crimes, refers to any act of violence or intimidation motivated by prejudice or hatred against any individual or group. This type of behavior can have a serious impact on the victim’s well-being, as well as that of their loved ones.
Why Hasn’t the DOJ Launched an Investigation into Trump’s Efforts to Overturn the Election?
Brief #34 – Social Justice
By Maureen Darby-Serson
While the January 6th committee filed in federal court claiming that former President Donald Trump corruptly obstructed an official proceeding and conspired to defraud the United Stated on the day of the Capital riot, the US Department of Justice has yet to file charges or do a thorough investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 Presidential Election. Why is that?
What Does It Mean to be Held in Contempt of Congress?
Brief #33 – Social Justice
By Maureen Darby-Serson
Several subpoenas sent out by the January 6th committee have gone unanswered, holding certain individuals in contempt of congress for not appearing to speak to Former President Donald Trump’s participation in the insurrection at the US Capital. What does this mean?
Trans Rights Are Human Rights, But State Legislatures Say Otherwise
Brief #37 – Social Justice
By Alexandra Ellis
2022 is the year of unprecedented anti-trans-legislation. The question becomes, why? It seems every day conservative media is reporting a new anti-trans bill being introduced in State legislatures. No one is saved from this debate: including parents of LQBTQIA+ youth and multinational corporations like Disney.
Administration, Members of Congress Try to Make Equal Pay Day Meaningful
Brief #36 – Social Justice
By Stephen Thomas
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will issue a proposed regulation later in 2022 to prohibit federal agencies from seeking or relying on an applicant’s salary history in the hiring process unless the applicant raises the issue of her or his own volition. The administration of President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Vice President Kamala D. Harris announced the upcoming rulemaking on Equal Pay Day, March 15.
Profiles of White Supremacist Groups in America
Brief #35 – Social Justice
By Erika Shannon
The United States is attempting to heal in many ways since Donald Trump’s term as our President. One of the effects of a Trump Presidency in America was the rise in membership in many right-wing hate groups. Members of these groups took the former President’s silence on their views as silent agreement on their behavior, and ran with it.