Elizabeth Jorgensen, soc mov MW 3:30-4:45 4/26

Elizabeth Jorgensen

Dr. Kubal/soc. mov

4/25/14

Jim Crow in the Classroom: New Report Finds Segregation Lives on in U.S. Schools

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/4/23/resegregation_of_american_students_new_report

Issues of racial discrimination within the school system are still very prevalent social problems, resulting in inequalities of educational levels and federal funding for minority students within 1st-12th grade. Brown vs. Board of Education's ruling in 1954 prohibited racial discrimination within educational systems and eliminated separate but equal rights within public schools. Despite this ruling, still today we have not eliminated issues revolving how we allocate our resources to schools depending on race. Schools that have higher numbers of white students and teachers still receive higher funding than other schools, perpetuating the inequality issues that these schools face. Focus has been put on conducting research in areas such as the South, analyzing the integration levels of students and funding levels to see how they correlate to the success levels of students. This area has the highest levels of african american students, and makes it an easy target to begin this investigation. 

Earth Day Special: "Fierce Green Fire" Documentary Explores Environmental Movement's Global Rise

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/4/22/earth_day_special_fierce_green_fire

Earth Day began in 1970 and is honored every year as a day of action by society. This year  it's focus was put on climate change and issues revolving Co2 emissions. The show publicized the documentary released called a Fierce Green Fire, analyzing the history of social movements within the environmental field and its evolution from its' introduction in 1970 to now. There is still a high correlation between nitrogen dioxide pollution and racial groups. On average people of color are exposed to 38% higher levels of pollution resulting in 7,000 more deaths per year from heart disease. This type of exposure to pollutants was much more prevalent in the years first following earth day's 1st celebration, and issues revolving the residents affected by the Love Canal during the 70's and the dangerous chemicals exposed to the land and air, resulting in higher levels of birth defects amongst other growing biological issues. Environmental issues will continue to rise along with our climate until we as a society choose to address all issues revolving the pollution that results from our use of non renewable energy sources.