Digital Commons Network^™

The Economic Ferocity Of Policy, Giana Depaul

Helm's School of Government Conference - American Revival: Citizenship & Virtue

Each day, as the Dow Jones rises and falls, Congress similarly passes and fails legislation. These two seemingly continuous cycles intersect to the point that the two structures appear affixed. For centuries, this has posed an age-old question: is it policy that influences the economic system or is it the economic system itself that molds policy decision-making? Renowned economist Adam Smith is famous for his works detailing the autonomous nature of the economic system. Smith views policy as only a small roadblock in the master strategy of the economic flow of life. The Great Depression and the 2008 Recession, however, …

Gentrification: An Analysis Of Socio-Economic Disparities And Racial Residential Segregation, Gabrielle Murphy

Scholar Week 2016 - present

In recent years, major metropolitan areas in the United States have experienced waves of gentrification, often referred to as community revitalization. Disguised as infrastructural improvement, minority individuals in urban areas continually face relocation as a result of these “improvements.” This paper is focused primarily on the disparities caused by racial residential segregation in major metropolitan areas across the United States. Socio-economic factors such as race, income level, physical health, and educational opportunities are discussed. The tangible effects of segregated housing on gross domestic product (GDP), crime, and food security are explored. In addition, this study evaluates the historic legislation pertaining …

We Just Need To Pee: Bathroom Bills And The Intersection Of Human Rights, Gender, And Race, Lena Tenney

Biennial Conference: The Social Practice of Human Rights

Although rarely publicly discussed, bathrooms are a fundamental element of everyday life. In fact, the majority of the population does not question their right or ability to access public restroom facilities because they are a mundane aspect of daily routine. However, the recent rise of “bathroom bills” in state legislatures has sparked significant media coverage and highlighted activist movements seeking to guarantee safe, affirming, and legally protected access to bathrooms for people of all gender identities and expressions.

This paper will illustrate that bathroom access is not only a matter of public policy, but also a question of human rights. …