University
Relations Tip Sheet - February 4, 2008
Forecast cloudy for “Super Tuesday”
Georgia State political scientists Henry “Chip” Carey and Daniel Franklin say that the 22-state “Super Tuesday” contests may be one of the hardest to predict in recent history, at least on one side of the political fence. Franklin, an assistant professor of political science and an expert in presidential politics, predicts the Democratic picture will be just as muddy Wednesday as it is today. But on the Republican side, “It’s McCain’s to lose.” He says the Super Tuesday map favors Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama, but says Obama clearly has the momentum. He notes: “In America, it turns out that it may be more difficult to elect a woman than an African-American to the presidency.” Carey, an associate professor of political science, is an expert on elections and voting behavior. Both can comment on the results and impact of the contests locally and nationally. For more information, contact William Inman at (404) 413-1355 or winman@gsu.edu.
Will the Stimulus Package save us?
While Congress wrangles over the details of an economic stimulus bill designed to parry an impending recession and aid the struggling economy, many experts worry about the collateral damage it could wreak. And just how did both parties reach such a quick agreement in principle during a notoriously partisan election year? “Simply put, both sides stand to gain,” says Georgia State assistant professor of political science and political economist Charles Hankla. And while the stimulus package may be necessary, along with rate cuts, to inject liquity into the market, Hankla says it’s a quick fix that will add to the federal budget and could lead to rising inflation and a weakening dollar. Moreover, it doesn’t solve the “fundamental problem that started in the housing market and has spread through securitized mortgages,” he says. Hankla can comment on the economics of the proposed bill, and can offer perspective on the back-and-forth politics surrounding it. To speak with him, contact William Inman at (404) 413-1355 or winman@gsu.edu.
Professor examines relationship between race, law
When she asked her family law students what factors a social worker might consider in placing a child with foster parents, some suggested income, lifestyle and age of the parents. One student raised her hand, Tanya Washington says, and quietly said “race,” as if the topic might be better left alone. But to Washington, an associate professor of law, race and its role in the legal system and its history shouldn’t be a taboo subject. Washington teaches family law and a class on race and the law, and sees parallels between the disruptions of families in modern times as children are placed in foster homes, and how African-American children were separated from their families during the era of American slavery. She also explores the relationship between laws which once prohibited blacks from receiving an education, and today’s educational failings.
“Once you study the history, you can’t help but say, ‘This looks strangely like what I saw in the paper yesterday,’” she says. “Seeing the history is key because once you study it, you see the parallels.” For more information, contact Michael Davis at (404) 413-1361 or mdavis6@gsu.edu.
Georgians skeptical of healthcare mandates
As healthcare costs skyrocket and uninsured patients sometimes find themselves unable to get the treatment they need, presidential candidates have campaigned on promises to fix the system. Some favor market-based approaches while others would press for more government intervention. But Georgians remain skeptical of national health plans that mandate coverage, according to researchers at the Georgia Health Policy Center. And affordable individual health policies in the private market are scarce, says Glenn Landers, a senior research associate at the center at Georgia State. “Our research in Georgia has shown that both individuals and business owners are not in favor of individuals being required to have health insurance,” says Landers. “The problem is that in any health coverage system that does not require an individual mandate, there will be those who choose to not have coverage. When those individuals need medical care they cannot afford, the cost of their care will place a burden on those with coverage.” Landers research focus and expertise is in long-term care and access to care for the uninsured. To speak with him, contact Michael Davis at (404) 413-1361 or mdavis6@gsu.edu.
No Child Left Behind still top on legislative list
Although candidates have been talking mostly about the war in Iraq, the economy and immigration reform, education is expected to be among the top items on the legislative to-do list in 2009. Specifically, lawmakers will wrangle over what should be done with President George W. Bush’s hallmark education plan, No Child Left Behind (NCLB). If Democrats win the White House, look for a “kinder, gentler” version of NCLB, where the goals of the legislation would remain the same but heavy-handed punitive sanctions and the emphasis on high-stakes testing would be dialed back, said Mike Metzler, Georgia State’s associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Education. A Republican president, however, would likely keep NCLB intact, making only minor tweaks to offer states more control, Metzler said. When it comes to funding, a Democratic president is expected to invest more money into public schools and expand pre-kindergarten programs, while a Republican president would advocate for privatization and school choice. But overall, no presidential candidate is suggesting a groundbreaking educational policy, said Eric Freeman, assistant professor of educational policy studies. “The education positions of the Democrats, between Hillary and Obama, are very close; you would have a hard time slipping a piece of paper between their views,” Freeman said. “Among the Republicans, the debates are pretty much status quo. No one is saying anything to rock the boat.” To speak with Metzler or Freeman, contact Liz Babiarz at (404) 413-1356, or lbabiarz@gsu.edu
Happenings at Georgia State University
Georgia State’s new Recital Hall unveiled
To celebrate the completion of the final phase of the "Encore" project – a $2.3 million renovation to Georgia State’s venerable Florence Kopleff Recital Hall – the School of Music will host a musical celebration at 3 p.m. Feb. 17 to showcase the renovations of the new hall. The special concert will feature performances by the Georgia State University choruses, faculty members and other special guests. The concert will also be the premiere of "Akathist" by Nickitas J. Demos. For more information, contact (404) 413-5901.
Symposium to explore the complexity of legal system
The Georgia State University Law Review will present a symposium on understanding the complex network that is the legal system. Dynamical Jurisprudence: Law as a Complex System will be presented from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Senate Salon of the Student Center, 44 Courtland St. The symposium will explore thinking about the legal system not as a set of cause-and-effect relationships, but as a complex system where one action might contribute to many, sometimes unpredictable effects. For more information, visit http://law.gsu.edu.
Georgia State celebrates Black History Month 2008
Georgia State will celebrate Black History Month 2008 with a variety of cultural events and academic programs throughout February in honor of African-American people and history. The events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Liz Babiarz at (404) 413-1356. Or, visit the Georgia State’s Office of African American Student Services and Programs online at www2.gsu.edu/~wwwowp
Here are some of the highlights:
“Fertile Ground” Photography Exhibit
Kick off Black History Month by reflecting on key moments of the civil rights movement with photography by Doris Derby, educator, artist and director of Georgia State’s Office of African American Student Services and Programs. A grand-opening celebration for the photography exhibit, titled “Fertile Ground: The Civil Rights Movement and its Legacy in the Mississippi Delta,” will be held 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 1 in the Student Center Gallery Lounge, suite 346. Julian Cox, curator of photography at the High Museum of Art, will be the guest speaker and Tanya Mitchell, poet, will perform spoken word. Derby’s photography will be on display throughout February, closing with a dialogue about the exhibit from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 28 in the gallery lounge.
African-American Read-in
As part of the 19th national African-American Read-In, Georgia State is holding a literary event where students, employees and the public are invited to read and reflect on books by Asa Hilliard III, a Georgia State educational psychology professor and leader of Afrocentrism, an ethnic history movement highlighting historical achievement among blacks. Hilliard, who passed in 2007, wrote books including, “The Maroon Within Us: Selected Essays on African American Community Socialization,” and, “African Power: Affirming African Indigenous Socialization in the Face of the Culture Wars.” The Read-In will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 4 in the Student Center Gallery Lounge, suite 346.
National Black AIDS Day dialogue
In the United States, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is a health crisis for African-Americans.
According to the 2000 census, African Americans make up about 13 percent of the U.S. population. But in 2005, African Americans accounted for 49 percent of the new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the country, the CDC reported. Georgia State wants to start a dialogue about the reasons for this staggering statistic. From noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 7 in suite 230 of the University Center, health educators will lead a discussion about how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases. The discussion will also address the stigma of sexually-transmitted diseases and debunk common myths.
African-American Male Hip-Hop forum
A panel of hip-hop industry professionals will talk about rap music and its affect on black culture from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Student Center Speaker’s Auditorium. Topics will include respecting women, avoiding violence and community support for one another and more.
APEX Museum Tour
Experience the rich and often untold history of African Americans with a visit to the APEX Museum with Georgia State staff, faculty and students from 1 to 2 p.m. Feb.22. For more information, visit www.apexmuseum.org.
Politics, Power and the People
Georgia State’s African-American Alumni Club presents its annual Black History Month Program, “Politics, Power and the People: The Movement of Empowerment.” Five panelists – State Rep. Tyrone Brooks, Atlanta City Councilman H. Lamar Willis, Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders, Dekalb County Chief Executive Officer Vernon Jones and State Rep. “Able” Mable Thomas – will discuss community and political issues important to African Americans, including Georgia's healthcare crisis, community violence, education and the movement of empowerment. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the senate salon of the University Center.
International Food, Flow and Fashion
Experience African-American dance, drum beats, spoken word, gospel and more at the “International Food, Flow and Fashion” event, held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 29 in Georgia State’s Alumni Hall. Other cultures will be highlighted as well.
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