Research

Select Work in Progress:

From Hollywood to Classroom-This paper examines how recent state restrictions on teaching civil rights are prompting educators to adapt by using visual media like film and television. Using Selma as a case study, it outlines strategies for evaluating media for classroom use based on class dynamics, educational goals, and subject relevance. The paper also offers assignment ideas to enhance civil rights education within governmental limits.

Steering the Neutral: Political Control in an Unpolitical Arena-This paper examines presidential influence over the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice by analyzing the number of amicus briefs filed by the division. Evidence of such influence would challenge the widely held belief in the Department of Justice’s political neutrality.

The Politics of Amicus Briefs- This paper analyzes trends in the language and substance of amicus briefs on civil rights cases across Democratic and Republican-led Departments of Justice.