Digital Commons Network^™

Discrimination That Requires A Remedy: The Case Of Mothers Of Children With Disabilities, Ewa Rejman

Mercer Law Review

International human rights law devotes particular attention to the protection of vulnerable groups owing to their special needs and distinctive challenges which should be adequately considered. Building upon this premise and stressing the importance of gender approach, the Article describes particular vulnerabilities that mothers of children with disabilities face and explains how addressing them remains contingent upon safeguarding, in particular, the right to the highest attainable standard of health, the right to social security, the right to an adequate standard of living and the right to family life. Through the analysis of the responsibility for the omission in international law, …

Race Centers As Critical Curriculum Spaces In U.S. Law Schools, Katheryn Russell-Brown, Vanessa Miller

Mercer Law Review

This piece aims to amplify the role of law school race centers. In fact, these centers are central curriculum spaces for student teaching and learning about race. The discussion highlights the role of race centers in law schools, explores the scholarly potential of race centers, and proposes strategies for sustaining race centers. The piece examines the role of race centers in helping law schools meet American Bar Association Standard 303(c), which requires that law students are exposed to race‑related curriculum, such as bias, cross‑cultural competencies, or racism. Tracing the historical roots of modern‑day race centers to Black Culture Centers of …

The Anatomy Of Creating A New Legal Discipline In Which Intersectionality Is Integral: Teaching Employers To Accept The Importance Of Workplace Discrimination And Understanding The Connection Between The Intersectionality Messages We Receive And How They Are Manifested In The Workplace Resulting In Violations Of Title Vii Of The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 And Lack Of Diversity, Dawn D. Bennett-Alexander

Mercer Law Review

The Author created the first law course in the country for colleges of business that taught business students how to recognize and work to avoid the genesis of workplace discrimination legal claims that lawyers are then called upon to handle, many of which are firmly rooted in intersectionality. That is, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 violations and employer liability. This led to her creating the earliest iteration of what we now know as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). In doing so, she had to explore how workplace decisions are made, which led to the realization …

The Migrant Family Separation Crisis: The Multifaceted Approach To End The Practice, Obtain Redress, And Prevent Its Return, Mariela Olivares

Mercer Law Review

Recent movements highlight a dual approach to resisting the horrific government policies of family separation and family detention. Capitalizing on xenophobic and racist hostilities, the policies created deep societal and political divides while igniting new levels of resistance in public protest and legal challenges. Although the Trump Administration’s targeting of migrant families was not a new strategy to deter migration to the U.S., the oppression of migrants through the Family Separation Policy has taken on a heightened level of moral depravity and unconstitutional infringement of due process rights, parental rights, and rights of children. For some traumatized families, these actions …

Beyond Politics: Rethinking The Conversation On Gender-Affirming Care For Youth, Olivia Sanders

Mercer Law Review

According to a study conducted in June of 2022 by the Williams Institute School of Law, nearly 300,000 youth members in the United States identify as transgender. According to these calculations, this statistic indicates that “[t]he number of young people who identify as transgender has nearly doubled in recent years.” Gender‑affirming healthcare is usually administered to treat gender dysphoria, which is defined as “a state of distress or discomfort that may be experienced because a person’s gender identity differs from that which is physically and/or socially attributed to their sex assigned at birth.” A 2021 study conducted by Reuters exposed …

Rituals Of Reluctance: How Loper Bright Further Obscures Civil Rights’ Place In The Modern Administrative State, Cameron K. Obioha

Mercer Law Review

Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (Loper Bright)marks the end of the Chevron doctrine and the abandonment of nearly forty years of precedent. Despite providing extensive reasoning regarding why eliminating an anchor of administrative law is the culmination of long‑awaited progress, no member of the Supreme Court of the United States elected to opine on a crucial implication of this historic decision. The court did not address how, with reinstated dominion over “every open issue” in regulatory law, it will reconcile the ever‑widening chasm between civil rights policy and the modern administrative state when such challenges inevitably arise.

Eye Spy Ai: Analysis Of The Implementation Of Outpatient Ai-Driven Diabetic Retinopathy Screening, Nathan Richling, Cody Masters, Jenenne Geske, Hannah Christianson

Posters and Presentations: Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Improving Postpartum Depression Screening Rates In The Doc Family Medicine Clinic, Hannah Wesslund, Neil Kalsi, Jenenne Geske

Posters and Presentations: Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Travel Load On Milb Injuries Part 2: Injury Frequency By Position, Spencer Cooper, T. Jason Meredith, Samuel Wilkins, Adam Rosen

Posters and Presentations: Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Pitch Clock Rules On Pitching Injuries In Milb From 2012 To 2024, Scott Goodsell, Jason Meredith, Samuel J. Wilkins, Adam B. Rosen

Posters and Presentations: Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

The Fashion Of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", Chloe A. Claudel

SPARK Symposium Presentations

For my historical movie analysis, I chose to study Gentlemen Prefer Blondes because I wanted to understand Marilyn Monroe’s impact beyond fashion and glamour. This film is more than a showcase of 1950s style it’s a cultural statement that challenged societal norms. Through my analysis of the movie I found that by embodying both beauty and intelligence, Monroe redefined femininity, proving that ambition and allure could coexist. Through this analysis, I further explored how her influence in fashion and media not only shaped trends but also contributed to greater freedoms for women today.

Investigating Mercury Contamination In Urban Fish: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy And Histological Analysis For Environmental And Human Health, Indy L. Cockrill, Ross Andrew

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Mercury contamination in aquatic ecosystems is a pressing environmental and public health concern, particularly in urban areas where industrial runoff and wastewater contribute to heavy metal accumulation. This study investigates mercury presence in fish from Richland Creek in Nashville, TN, by analyzing histological changes in liver and muscle tissues. Mercury bioaccumulates in aquatic food chains, potentially leading to physiological damage in fish and posing health risks to humans who consume contaminated seafood. While prior research has established mercury’s toxic effects, there is a need for localized studies assessing its presence in urban waterways. The hope is to find histological abnormalities …

Understanding The California Consumer Privacy Act: Empowering Individuals And Businesses, Kelley G. Palladino, Leah Hetherington, Brennan Zentmeyer

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Dive into the world of data privacy with our presentation on the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). This legislation grants Californians unprecedented control over their personal data. We'll explore the key rights it provides, such as the ability to know what data is collected, to request its deletion, and to opt-out of the sale of data --- meaning consumers can direct businesses to stop selling their personal information, protecting their privacy from unwanted commercial use

We'll also discuss the CCPA's impact on businesses. The CCPA applies to for-profit businesses that collect personal data from California residents, do business in California, …

Kelly Miller Smith: The Role And Recognition Of Local Leadership, Kenneddia Mastin

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This paper examines the life and legacy of Reverend Kelly Miller Smith, highlighting the pivotal role of local leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and questioning why figures like Smith are celebrated primarily within their communities rather than nationally. By analyzing Smith’s early life, education, activism, and involvement in events such as the Nashville sit-ins and the NAACP, this study underscores his significant impact. A comparison with John Lewis, a nationally recognized leader, explores the dynamics of civil rights leadership, focusing on the disparities between local and national recognition. The research advocates for a more inclusive perspective that equally values …

Sport For Inclusion: Advocating For Adaptive Sports And People With Disabilities, Gabrielle Kline, Chloe Hreha, Sophia Lasley

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Sports are often undervalued in India, with many families prioritizing careers in fields like engineering and medicine over athletics (Tewari, 2021). This cultural sentiment extends to people with disabilities, where adaptive sports receive little attention despite 4.3% (around 61 million) of India's population living with a disability (MOSPI, 2021). Adaptive sports, however, play a crucial role in promoting physical health, mental well-being, and socialization, particularly in rural areas (Chen et al., 2024). The Sittruli Foundation, a non-governmental organization in India, offers wheelchair basketball, swimming, and running programs for people with disabilities. The foundation faced several challenges in its mission to …

Mishaps And Misdiagnosis: The Growing Need For Regulation Over The Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Industry, Anna M. Lucchese

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This note explores negligence involved in a unique type of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) procedure that incorporates genetic testing to assess whether an embryos has a harmful genetic abnormality before implantation. This procedure is known as Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGD). The Note explains the current regulatory schemes for PGD in the United States—or lack thereof—compared to other countries and guidelines from international professional societies. It further outlines options for what regulatory authorities in the United States would be best suited to oversee PGD use. The Note ultimately argues that fertility clinics should be required to adopt mandatory quality certifications to enhance …

Hitch Hall Building Health Evaluation, Emily Perkins

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Testing the air and water quality of the Hitch building located on Belmont's campus. Reporting our findings, along with mold and bacteria samples taken from swabs within rooms in Hitch. Showcasing the importance of healthy building practices and proper HVAC systems.

Learning By Doing: The Impact Of Experiential Learning Through Tower Creative Communications, Bryson I. Moore

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Experiential learning has gained recognition as a valuable pedagogical approach in higher education, providing students with hands-on experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice (Phan, 2024). This study examines the benefits of experiential learning through the lens of Tower Creative Communications (TCC), a student-run strategic communications agency. By analyzing five in-depth interviews with former TCC clients and survey responses from organization members, this research explores the real-world impact of student-led professional experiences. Findings indicate that TCC not only enhances students’ technical skills in public relations but also fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional confidence. Clients reported high satisfaction …

Rational Choice Theory: An Evaluation, Camille Liebergen, Troy Terry

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The Rational Choice Theory is the view that individuals who commit crime behave in a rational way. This theory suggests that criminal behavior is not impulsive, but rather a result of a cost-benefit analysis evaluating the perceived rewards from the act against the potential punishment. It suggests that the criminal justice system can reduce crime by increasing the risks associated with criminal behavior. (Siegel, 101)

Mental Health First Aid With Criminal Justice Students, April N. Terry, Troy Terry

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Mental illness is a major contributor impacting overall health, affecting more than 1 billion people globally (Papish et al., 2013). Research suggests more than 80% of people who die by suicide had a mental illness with suicide being the second leading cause of death for those between the ages of 15-29 (Isometsä, 2001). Yet, many individuals do not seek professional treatment for a variety of factors, including lack of awareness of warning signs and symptoms, mental health stigma, and unavailable services (Baumann, 2007). One method for addressing barriers to mental health treatment includes targeted efforts to improve mental health literacy …

Apathy Or Arrogance? Why High Schoolers Are Uninformed About Current Events, Delia Dixon

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This study analyzes the associations between high school student confidence levels on international current events, their motivations to learn more, optimism for the future, and their general understanding of international current events. Using a survey, I first asked students how confident they felt about their understanding of current events, their level of desire to learn more, why they felt that way, and their level of optimism for the future. The second section had the participants list 3-10 current events that they felt were the most important. The third section tested their general awareness of current global events by having them …

The Dark Side Of Leadership: Thanos’ Destruction And Underwood’S Deception, Mason Haxton, Minhaj Ahmed

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This project looks at the leadership styles and use of power in two well-known fictional villains. Firstly being Thanos from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and also, Frank Underwood from House of Cards. Thanos is both an authoritarian and visionary leader, believing it is his responsibility to restore balance to the universe, even though his plan involves mass destruction. His leadership connects to power orientation and action-oriented leadership theories, showing both prosocial intentions and antisocial actions. While he thinks he is being fair and ethical, his leadership is actually destructive and creating chaos throughout the universe. His refusal to consider other …

Piloting Free Ai Tools For Open Student Course Applications, Christine Hober

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Objective: The purpose of this mixed-methods, quasi-experimental pilot study was to analyze practice outcomes after incorporating the university sponsored artificial intelligence (AI) adaptive learning platforms and assistants with the major course project of the student nurse educator development course. The study’s aim was to implement AI tools without increasing student perceptions of course work stress.

Methodology: Utilizing a convenience sample of 10 graduate students from a mid-western rural, public university following structured implementation of normally assigned coursework, process modifications for implementing AI tools were shared. Surveys analyzed student perceptions of stress (specifically linked to new technology implementation) alongside the perceived …

Res Historica, Volume 4, Lynneth Miller Renberg Phd, Alpha Rho Epsilon Phi Alpha Theta

Res Historica

The 2025 journal of historical research by Anderson University students, Res Historica.

The editorial team for this edition of Res Historica was Dr. Lynneth Miller Renberg, Samuel Sanders, and Julia Ackerman. The cover art for this volume is an open access image.

Reserve Officer Training Corps Officers’ Perspectives On Diversity, Equity, And Inclusionary Practices In Commissioning Minority Officers In The U.S. Military, Christopher Tompkins

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was the lack of research on Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) officers’ practices using diversity, equity, and inclusionary (DEI) in commissioning minority officers in the U.S. military. This deficiency of literature and research illustrates the necessity to explore ROTC officers' perspectives of practices in this context. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore ROTC officers’ perspectives on DEI practices related to commissioning minority officers in the U.S. military. The conceptual framework was grounded in critical race theory and aversive racism theory. The research question was focused on ROTC officers' perspectives on DEI …

Bioethics Of Patents And Licensing, Tabrez Y. Ebrahim

North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology

No abstract provided.

Are Technology And The Law On The Same “Wavelength”?: Examining The New Frontier Of Brainwaves And Data Privacy, John G. Browning

North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology

No abstract provided.

Reimagining Social Media Through Middleware: A Structural Path To Competition And User Agency, Madhavi Singh

North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology

No abstract provided.

How Does Racial Bias Impact The Perceptions Of Black Women Regarding Maternal Care?, Tanner K. Braddy

Honors College Theses

Between 1999–2002 and 2018–2021, the maternal mortality rate in the United States increased by 144% from 9.65 to 23.6 deaths per 100,000 live births. Although women of all races are affected by maternal mortality yearly, it is especially prevalent in black women. In the United States, black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than non-black women. Despite advanced medical technology and ongoing research, black women are continuing to die because of pregnancy at an alarming rate. Many studies suggest that discrimination and implicit bias - defined as subconscious feelings, attitudes, prejudices, and stereotypes an individual …

The Black Box Spring 2025, Amberly Neese, Oliver Sowers, Cordelia Cep, Luca Careaga, Annelise Newnum, Austin Palahnuk, Solomon Sharp, Margaret Colwell, Isabella Rekemeyer, Jordan Stephens, Sam Costello, Samuel Davidson, Brandon West, Nevaeh Allen, James Bradley, Sawyer Star, Jaxon Binch, Autumn Cooper, Stetson Miller, Spencer Savage, Abigail Connors, Andreca Garcia, Violet Barton, Kayla Natelli, Elyse Grant, Joshua Taylor, Cristian Garland, Fred Phillips, Matin Winiarsky, Gianna Morelli, Alex Nie, Vanessa Munoz, Andrea Taylor, William Punches, Sheryl Gillum, Axl Burtleson, 22blues, Lara Ortelli, Dylan Hamoaka

Black Box

The Black Box is a creative publication dedicated to displaying the talented work of the Embry-Riddle Prescott community. Creativity and ingenuity flow throughout ERAU and we want to put it on display!