Blog #2 Daniela S. Diaz

Introduction.

Hello, everyone. For our second group presentation, we discussed four points: Gender Equality,

Education Policy, Immigration Policies, and the Electoral Process. All the groups framed these

issues within their historical context and current struggles. This blog summarizes the main

points from all the presentations.

Group 1: Gender Equality.

This presentation was a deep dive into gender equality, a fundamental human right that has

made great strides in the last few hundred years but still faces many of the same challenges.

Gender equality used to involve exclusively equal pay and representation in leadership. Still,

today, it is about a woman's rights over her own body, reproductive freedom, and stopping

violence against women.

Gender inequality remains a huge issue in many parts of the world, especially in conflict or more

culturally restricted areas like India or Asia where there is still, in some places, the idea that the

woman should only be in charge of household chores while the man is in charge of providing

and working. However, this has been changing over the years, and even in more traditional

cultures like these, women have begun to be more independent and make their voices heard.

Their main message highlighted a call to action: We believe gender equality can be a reality

only with advocacy. They also said we should push policies toward gender equality in our

communities and support organizations that promote overall gender equality. Everyone can

become an advocate for gender equality, and we can make a real difference. The elections are

very soon, and there is a possibility that Kamala Harris, who would be the first female president

of the United States, will win. This would be a big step towards gender equality. A woman in

such an important position. Even if she does not win, it is already an essential step towards

change that she has run and has had the support of many people who believe she would be an

excellent option to lead the country.

Group 2: Education Policies.

This presentation shifted the focus to education policies and their crucial role in shaping society.

Education is often considered the same everywhere, but notable differences are based on

geography, socioeconomic status, and race. We begin by discussing the historical evolution of

educational policies in the U.S., from the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, which

sought equality within schools as racial segregation violated what the Fourteenth Amendment

said. This case was critical and allowed for equality regardless of race within schools. The No

Child Left Behind Act promoted the quality of education in schools by setting higher standards

for education. Also, through this act, they made schools responsible for students; performance.

They emphasized the importance of all schools being funded equitably, something significant

that often goes unnoticed. Many low-income districts struggle with underfunding, leading to

inadequate student resources and facilities. This group analyzed recent policies such as the

“Every Student Succeeds Act.” This law replaces the "No Child Left Behind" law because it

requires all children to be taught high academic standards to do well in college or areas they

want to perform. They also addressed the growing emphasis on mental health in schools and

the need for policies that support student wellbeing as more and more students are

experiencing mental health problems caused by school stress. His presentation highlighted that

education policies must continually evolve to address current challenges and the needs of all

students. The education system must grow and change by adapting to the emerging needs of

students. Many areas of education could be improved by changing the “archaic” way of teaching

and starting to teach things that help students deal with the challenges that our society is facing

today.

Group 3: Immigration Policies

Next, Group 3 delved into immigration policies, a critical topic in the current global context. I

liked this presentation and think they explained the topic well. We began with a historical

overview of U.S. immigration policy, pointing to crucial legislation such as the Immigration and

Nationality Act of 1965, which abolished racially discriminatory quotas. This law marked a

significant change, opening doors to immigrants from various parts of the world and reshaping

the country's demographic landscape.

Their presentation examined the current state of immigration policies, including the debates

surrounding border security, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), and the refugee

crisis. We highlighted the challenges immigrants face in navigating a complex legal system and

the impact of policy changes on families and communities. Importantly, they discussed the

economic contributions of immigrants. They play a vital role in several sectors. It should be said

that immigrants often do the jobs that Americans themselves refuse to do. Agriculture and

construction are jobs that immigrants do to keep the country running. Still, individuals or political

figures refuse to see their value and treat them as mere "intruders." Many times, these people

are only looking for a better life for themselves and their families, and they only want to escape

from the oppressive regimes of their native countries. They seek refuge in the United States but

often cannot get their papers. At the end of his presentation, we understood that there must be

a reform in immigration policies so that this process is better and fairer for these families of

immigrants.

Group 4: The Electorate and the Election Process.

Finally, our group presented on the electorate and the election process in the United States,

offering a historical overview of elections and the voting process. They began by talking about

how the concept of voting originated: how ancient societies started to elect their rulers through

voting, not only by exercising power or having a higher status. The Voting Rights Act of 1965

aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting. This legislation was pivotal in expanding

access to the ballot, particularly for African Americans in the South. We also examined the

structure of the election process, detailing the roles of primaries, general elections, and the

Electoral College. The Electoral College was established to balance the influence of populous

states with less populated ones. We concluded by stressing the importance of civic engagement

and the responsibility of citizens to participate in elections, as this is essential for a thriving

democracy.

Conclusion.

In summary, the presentations covered a range of interconnected topics that are critical to

understanding the social and political landscape of the United States. From gender equality and

education policies to immigration reform and the election process, each group highlighted the

ongoing struggles and progress in these areas. As we reflect on these issues, it becomes clear

that active participation and advocacy are essential for driving change and ensuring that the

principles of justice and equality are upheld for all members of society.