Hilary Schmitt and Talia Di Manno's Ethics and Justice classes were asked to engage in a social justice issue for their final semester projects. On Thursday, December 15, 2022 students presented a fair outside the Commons to share their work. We're pleased to share a few highlights from these presentations.
Hayley Yoslov started the Let Women Ride petition to address gender inequity in mountain bike racing. Hayley's hard work paid off, and the Sea Otter Race organizers reached out to her on Monday morning, announcing that they decided to make the changes she suggested and to look into the gender inequity in other races as well. Read the full article here.
Elise Dedyo presented on homelessness in the Bay Area. “From 2011-2017, the Bay Area created over 500,000 new jobs, but only approved around 100,000 new housing units,” Elise explained. “This resulted in an inflated housing market and left many people without a home. In my research, I found St. Anthony’s organization, which strives to reduce the stigma around homeless people and to meet people where they are. St. Anthony’s provides a year long addiction recovery program, a Dining Room, Hygiene Hub, Medical Clinic and workforce development program.”
Cole Nadershahi presented on the discrepancies of access to primary care.
Kabir McNeely presented on Latino Youth and the Criminal Justice system. Kabir explored the ways that racial profiling, media representation, policing, and the criminal justice system impacts young Latinos in the Bay Area. As part of the project, Kabir interviewed current Branson students and faculty members about their experiences.
Kaia Hayes researched gun violence prevention in schools. Kaia explains,“the design of this pin is a heart that holds an orange ribbon and the words ‘arms are for hugs, not for firing.’ The orange ribbon is a prominent symbol for gun violence awareness with the phrase supporting the idea that guns do not belong in schools and this issue should not be normal. The heart encasing everything shows my love and support for the fight against gun violence in schools, and hope for a better and safer future.”
Oliver Broek presented on incarceration and recidivism.
Julia and Saylor presented on inequality in women’s sports.
Katherine Salz presented on educational inequity in the Bay Area, contrasting the impact of remote learning during the pandemic on two different student populations.
Bryce and Sabrina presented on hands-on learning at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy.
Congratulations to all on a great semester, and thank you for sharing your important work with our community.