Scholars Strategy Network's No Jargon

Nutrition policy is back in the spotlight. Under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, the federal government has been especially vocal about and involved in what Americans eat, including policies that change what can be bought with federal benefits. Nutrition policy researcher Pasquale Rummo breaks down what the debate about ultra-processed foods is all about, how Americans' diets are shaped by both choice and policy, and what coming changes could mean for consumers and the food industry. For more on this topic: Read Rummo's op-ed in The Hill, co-written with Jesse Strunk-Elkins: SNAP Benefit Cuts Will Leave Millions of Americans Overworked and Underfed

Housing costs keep rising across the United States, and policymakers are scrambling for solutions. In Congress, policymakers from across the aisle are advancing legislation aimed at encouraging more housing construction, based on the idea that increasing supply will help bring prices down. But what actually makes housing "affordable" and who benefits from the policies meant to fix the problem? Drawing on decades of research and experience working on housing issues in New York City, Professor Hilary Botein explains how politics and local housing markets affect who has access and why simply building more housing may not help people with the lowest incomes.

Six years after the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a global emergency, are we any better prepared for the next pandemic? Professor Joseph Harris reflects on what Covid revealed about the strengths and weaknesses of the U.S. public health system and the fragility of global cooperation. Drawing on his research on universal health coverage and AIDS treatment politics in countries such as Thailand and Brazil, he explains how politics and power shape who has access to care—and how professional and social movements can drive reform. For more on this topic: Listen to Harris's podcast: The Global Health Politics Podcast Check out his commentary in The Conversation: What the US could learn from Thailand about health care coverage

Haitians living in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are once again facing uncertainty. Though a federal judge intervened just a day before the Trump administration was set to end TPS for Haiti, thousands of families are still left not knowing what happens next. Professor Evan Auguste explains the emotional strain of living with the constant fear of losing legal status, and how history, trauma, and racism have shaped the mental health of Haitian immigrants. He also shares his work to help create a culturally rooted healing initiative that brings Haitian traditions into mental health spaces, and what this project can teach psychologists and policymakers alike. For more on this topic: Read his opinion piece in the Haitian Times, How we hold Haiti's diasporic grief Check out his co-authored analysis in NACLA Report, To Save Haitian Lives, Global Health Leaders Call for Solidarity

A year into President Trump's second term, tariffs and trade disputes have once again become central to U.S. economic policy. Professor Menzie Chinn looks back at the biggest economic trends of the past year and explains how rising tariffs are shaping prices, business decisions, and household budgets. Drawing on his research and public writing, he breaks down what these changes mean for everyday affordability and long-term economic stability. For more on this topic: Check out Chinn's blog, Econbrowser, about current economic conditions and policy Read his analysis in EconoFact, The U.S. Agricultural Sector Under Stress

The Trump administration has made changes to how the federal government approaches diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, using executive actions, funding rules, and legal challenges that are reshaping how colleges operate. In response, campuses across the country are reassessing these programs — some ending them, others renaming offices or pausing services as they navigate new legal and funding realities. Professor Anthony Hernandez shares what he learned from a listening tour across New Mexico, California, Texas, and Wisconsin, where he spoke with students and educators experiencing these shifts firsthand. He explains what's at stake for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and why these issues matter for college access, upward mobility, and the broader civic landscape. For more on this topic: Read Hernandez's op-ed in USA Today: Trump education cuts quietly declare that opportunity should be rationed on race Check out his op-ed in the Chicago Tribune: America cannot compete globally if it undermines its own people Read his op-ed in The Fulcrum: Tennessee's Attack on Federal Support for Hispanic-Serving Colleges Hurts Us All

As we head into the holiday season, many nonprofits are entering their busiest time of year while uncertainty around government funding continues to loom. Professor Dyana Mason explains how President Trump's executive actions and funding freezes have disrupted essential services — from food programs to international aid — and what that means for the people who rely on them. She breaks down why so many nonprofits depend on federal dollars, what happens when that money suddenly disappears, and how political pressures are putting new strain on these organizations. For more on this topic: Read Mason's op-ed in The Conversation: Nonprofits that provide shelter for homeless people, disaster recovery help, and food for low-income Americans rely heavily on federal funding – they would be reeling if Trump froze that money, coauthored with Mirae Kim.

In the wake of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, millions of Americans are left wondering what comes next for their healthcare. Professor Miranda Yaver breaks down what fueled the shutdown, why the Affordable Care Act is once again under strain, and what rising healthcare costs will mean for families, healthcare providers, and entire communities. She also previewed her forthcoming book, Coverage Denied, which examines the impact of coverage denials to patient health. For more on this topic: Read Yaver's op-ed in MSNBC: Republicans are trying to turn their attacks on Obamacare into self-fulfilling prophecies Read her SSN brief: How Health Insurance Denials Induce Administrative Burdens, and How to Fix It Check out her book, Coverage Denied: How Health Insurers Drive Inequality in the United States, which will be published March 2026

The criminal legal system often misunderstands—and mishandles—people with intellectual disabilities. Law professor Katie Kronick explains how and why these individuals so often fall through the cracks in a system built around efficiency and rigid rules. She breaks down the stakes with real examples, including a high-profile death penalty case now before the Supreme Court, and shares ideas for building a criminal justice system that recognizes and respects the needs of defendants with intellectual disabilities. For more on this topic: Read Kronick's amicus brief for the Supreme Court case Hamm v. Smith Check out her essay in the Sentencing Matters Substack: Why is it So Hard for Courts to Adjust to Advancements in Knowledge of Human Behavior? Read her op-ed in the Baltimore Sun: The Criminal Legal System Is Failing People With Intellectual Disabilities

This Election Day is the perfect moment to look beyond the national headlines and focus on what's happening closer to home. As Americans head to the polls, Professor Brian Adams breaks down why state and local elections matter—from the mayors, town councils, and school boards shaping daily life to the policies that affect housing and public safety. He explains how voters make decisions with limited information in these races, the growing partisanship in local politics, and new initiatives aimed at reducing the influence of money in local elections. For more on this topic: Read Adams's article in The Conversation, Local Elections Are Less Partisan Because Voters Will Cross Party Lines When Issues Hit Close to Home, coauthored with Edward L. Lascher Jr. and Danielle Martin Check out his book: Citizen Lobbyists: Local Efforts to Influence Public Policy

As access to abortion and contraception are curtailed across much of the U.S., Professor Lina-Maria Murillo explains that today's reproductive rights debates are part of a much longer story. Her research in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands show how race and power have always influenced who can get care and who cannot. She connects how earlier attempts to control women's bodies still shape current laws and discussions, and she shares what history can teach us about defending reproductive freedom now. For more on this topic: Check out Murillo's book, Fighting for Control: Power, Reproductive Care, and Race in the US-Mexico Borderlands Read her perspective in the Washington Post: Before Roe v. Wade, U.S. residents sought safer abortions in Mexico Read her SSN brief: Reproductive Freedom along the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands

The number of people held in immigration detention centers in the U.S. has exploded in recent years, reaching record highs under multiple administrations. And thanks to the Republican-led budget bill that became law in July, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has seen a major influx of federal funding, further fueling the expansion of detentions. Professor Nancy Hiemstra explains how detention became a multi-billion-dollar industry, breaking down who profits, who pays, and how communities across the country, not just along the border, have become tied to detention economies. For more on this topic: Check out Hiemstra's book with co-author Deirdre Conlon, Immigration Detention Inc.: The Big Business of Locking up Migrants Read the op-ed they co-authored in Newsweek: People Will Die at Alligator Alcatraz Read their SSN brief: How Expanded Migrant Detention Drives Profiteering and Leads to Tougher Immigration Policies

Student loans are shaping the college experience more than ever. As tuition rises and financial aid rules keep changing, more students are taking on college debt. Professor Monnica Chan explains what's happening with student loans, Pell Grants, and repayment plans, and how these choices affect students long after graduation. She discusses the real impact of debt on college affordability, career decisions, and family life—and what solutions could make paying for college less stressful. For more on this topic Listen to Chan speak about proposed federal student aid regulations: Nine Scholars Provide Public Comment at U.S. Department of Education Hearing on Student Loan Reforms Read the piece she co-authored in The Conversation: 5 things to consider before taking out a student loan

Political maps decide who has a voice in government, and who doesn't. And right now, big legal battles in Texas and California are putting redistricting in the spotlight. Professor Michael Latner breaks down the difference between redistricting and gerrymandering, why unfair maps weaken voters' voices, and what today's gerrymandering fights mean for the future of American democracy. For more on this topic: Check out the book Latner co-authored, Gerrymandering the States: Partisanship, Race, and the Transformation of American Federalism Read his SSN brief: How Election Reforms Could Improve American Democracy Read the op-ed he co-wrote in the New York Daily News: How the Supreme Court Made Gerrymandering Worse

In the U.S., 2025 began with devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, followed by hundreds of tornadoes across the central states, and has recently been marked by catastrophic flooding in Texas and across the South and Midwest. These escalating weather disasters aren't isolated events—they're part of a global pattern in which climate change is making disasters worse, with the most vulnerable communities often getting hit hardest. Professor Farhana Sultana explains how the history of colonialism and ongoing inequalities shape who suffers most from climate disasters, both in the U.S. and around the world. Drawing from her experiences in Bangladesh and her global research, she makes the case for climate justice that addresses power dynamics, not just pollution. For more on this topic: Check out Sultana's book, Confronting Climate Coloniality: Decolonizing Pathways for Climate Justice Watch her interview with Al Jazeera about COP29: A New Era for Climate Finance Read an op-ed she co-wrote in The Guardian: In 2023 we've seen climate destruction in real time, yet rich countries are poised to do little at Cop28

On July 4, President Trump signed a sweeping new law that makes major changes to the social safety net—with serious consequences for families and children. Child and family policy expert Professor Taryn Morrissey breaks down the Republican-backed legislation, which slashes Medicaid, SNAP, and other key supports that millions of families rely on. She examines how the law shifts resources away from low-income and younger Americans—especially children—and toward wealthier, older households. Morrissey discusses how these changes could make inequality worse and what it would actually mean to put kids at the center of national policy. For more on this topic: Read Morrissey's recent opinion article published in The Hill: Trump's Medicaid and SNAP red tape will devastate millions of Americans Read her op-ed published in The Progressive: GOP Tax Bill Will Hurt Children and Families Check out the book she co-authored, Cradle to Kindergarten: A New Plan to Combat Inequality DrKfdZ5s5lsT6o5wu9hU

Gun violence is down, but you wouldn't know it from the headlines. This progress didn't happen by accident—it's at least partially the result of smart, targeted strategies that address the root causes of violence. Professor Daniel Semenza explains what's working, drawing lessons from Camden's dramatic shift from "murder capital" to record-low homicide rates, and what we stand to lose as federal support for violence prevention is being rolled back. For more on this topic: Read Semenza's op-ed in Common Dreams Check out a research paper he co-authored: In-person and media gun violence exposure in the United States

When Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the entire federal vaccine advisory committee and installed new members, it raised alarms across the public health world. At the same time, measles is making a comeback as more Americans are hesitant about getting vaccines. Professor Lindsey Haynes-Maslow explains how we got here and what it will take to rebuild public trust. Drawing on her work in community-based health outreach, she shares why clear, consistent communication is critical for vaccine education and how local leaders and trusted messengers can help cut through the noise. For more on this topic: Watch Haynes-Maslow's video, "A Journey through Public Health: Health Policy," produced by UNC's Department of Health Policy and Management. Check out her work on immunization education and vaccine hesitancy at EXCITE.

Congress is in the middle of a high-stakes budget debate that includes fighting over tax policy and funding for many vital public programs. But what's often missing from that budget debate is a focus on the people these decisions affect, especially kids. Professor Jean Junior explains how tax policy choices made on Capitol Hill directly affect health and well-being, and why taxes can be a powerful tool to improve health outcomes for everyone. Drawing from her experience as a pediatrician, Professor Junior challenges us to see policy choices through the eyes of a doctor by putting people's well-being first. For more on this topic: Read Junior's SSN brief, Tax Policy as a Potential Tool for Reducing Infant Mortality. Check out her study, Association of State-Level Tax Policy and Infant Mortality in the United States, 1996-2019.

Under the Trump administration, major changes at key consumer protection agencies, including widespread staff cuts and rule rollbacks, are raising concerns about the future of efforts to curb unfair or deceptive financial practices. Professor Terri Friedline explains what's been happening at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, why it matters, and how these shifts impact the people who can least afford to be left unprotected. And she draws on her research to highlight how the financial system has left many behind, despite the promises of new financial technologies. For more on this topic: Read Friedline's commentary about how financial technology firms prey on the poor in Truthout Check out her book, Banking on a Revolution: Why Financial Technology Won't Save a Broken System

As Republican lawmakers push for major budget cuts, Medicaid is in the crosshairs. Professor Nicole Huberfeld breaks down why Medicaid matters to millions of Americans and what makes proposed changes—like work requirements and block grants—so complex and potentially harmful. She moves beyond policy details to explore the real-world impact: how budget cuts could hit the most vulnerable, put pressure on hospitals, and widen healthcare disparities between states. For more on this topic: Read Huberfeld's piece about the challenges of trimming Medicaid in The Conversation, co-authored with Paul Shafer. Explore her law casebook, The Law of American Health Care, co-written with Elizabeth Weeks Leonard, Kevin Outterson, and Matthew Lawrence.

Higher education is under fire—from attacks on DEI to threats against research funding, political pressure is mounting fast. While headlines often focus on elite and Ivy League schools, Professor Cecilia Orphan reminds us that regional public universities and rural institutions are also in the crosshairs. These essential but often-overlooked institutions serve diverse student bodies, support regional infrastructure, and anchor local communities. Orphan traces the roots of today's political backlash and makes the case that if colleges want to keep serving the public good, they'll need to get organized and push back, together. For more on this topic: Read Orphan's report on regional public universities in Third Way, co-authored with Mac Wetherbee. Read her key findings brief, Why Regional Comprehensive Universities are Vital Parts of U.S. Higher Education.

As the Social Security Administration faces a wave of staffing cuts and administrative shakeups, what's at stake for the millions who depend on it? Brookings Institution economist Dr. Gopi Shah Goda discusses what these behind-the-scenes changes mean—and why some of the loudest political talking points about fraud and inefficiency don't hold up. She also explores what is needed to keep the program strong amid looming financial shortfalls. For more on this topic: Read Goda's commentary about expanding Medicare's in-home care coverage at the Brookings Institution.

As President Donald Trump's second term unfolds, one big question looms: How resilient is American democracy? Professor Suzanne Mettler has spent years studying the forces that put democracy at risk and in this episode, she draws on her most recent book to share lessons from events across U.S. history that feel eerily relevant today. From Trump's expanded executive power to deepening political divisions, she explores the forces that threaten American democracy, and what everyday citizens can do to push back. For more on this topic: Read Mettler's book, Four Threats: The Recurring Crises of American Democracy, written with Robert Lieberman at Johns Hopkins University. Check out her opinion piece about a disturbing plot against a Kansas Territory governor in TIME Magazine, co-authored with Robert Lieberman.

Political scientist Ryan LaRochelle stays post-interview to highlight a lesser-known but powerful chapter of the Watergate era. LaRochelle delves into the story of William S. Cohen, a Republican congressman from Maine who chose truth over party loyalty, helping hold President Richard Nixon accountable. Cohen's moral courage offers timely lessons for navigating today's deeply divided political landscape.

President Donald Trump kicked off his second term with a wave of executive actions, including efforts to shrink the federal government by gutting or entirely dismantling some federal agencies. While some of these moves are unprecedented, it's not the first time a president has tried to unilaterally undermine a federal agency. Political scientist Ryan LaRochelle breaks down how President Richard Nixon attempted to shutter the Office of Economic Opportunity and the legal and political pushback he faced as a result. LaRochelle draws on this history to explain why presidents can't slash federal programs on their own and how public and congressional resistance can help keep agencies intact. For more on this topic: Check out LaRochelle's opinion piece on Nixon's failed attempt to shut down the Office of Economic Opportunity in TIME Magazine. Read an opinion piece he co-authored with Luisa Deprez about fears over Trump's strategy to cut U.S. safety net programs in Common Dreams.

Discussions about immigration and deportation often focus on politics, policies, and legal battles. But what happens to the people at the heart of it all? Professor William Lopez shares the story of one family's experience to illustrate the far-reaching consequences of deportation. He breaks down the emotional, health, and financial toll of these enforcement actions—not just on those directly affected, but on teachers, faith leaders, and entire communities caught in the ripple effects. For more on this topic: Check out Lopez's opinion piece on worksite raids in The Hill. Read his book, Separated: Family and Community in the Aftermath of an Immigration Raid.

Tariffs are often promoted as a way to protect American workers—but do they actually work? Dr. Erica Owen takes us through the fast-moving shifts in U.S. trade policy under President Trump and the ripple effects they're having on businesses, workers, and consumers. Who benefits, who pays the price, and what happens next? From the backlash against globalization to the forces reshaping American jobs, Dr. Owen explains what's at stake—and how policymakers can better support workers caught in the crossfire. For more on this topic: Read Owen's SSN key findings brief, Why Protectionist Trade Policies Still Won't Deliver for U.S. Workers.

Generative AI has sparked excitement, curiosity, and a lot of unease. For schools, is it a groundbreaking tool for education, or a high-tech shortcut some might call cheating? In this episode, Professor Justin Ballenger takes us on his journey from middle school science teacher to trailblazer in STEM teacher preparation. Along the way, he breaks down what generative AI is, how schools are using it today, and the game-changing ways it could transform learning in the future. For more on this topic: Check out Ballenger's opinion piece about AI in the classroom in Higher Education Digest. Read SSN's member spotlight about how his work is shaping the future of education.

President Donald Trump has big plans for a second term in office. Among his proposals are sweeping cuts to the federal workforce, reducing federal spending on key programs, and potentially firing tens of thousands of federal workers and replacing them with political appointees. It's a vision that promises to "drain the swamp," but it could also drain the essential services that millions of Americans rely on. From trimming federal programs to overhauling bureaucracy, these ideas sound bold on paper, but how feasible—or even practical—are they? And what might the real consequences be if such changes take shape? Professor Donald Moynihan shares his deep knowledge of how bureaucracies operate and separates fact from fiction to explore what Trump's plans could mean for the future of the country.

With the holiday season upon us, many are looking forward to spending time with family—reconnecting, sharing traditions, and reflecting on what really matters. Dr. Alvin Thomas shares insights into what it means to be a dad today—especially for Black fathers who are navigating cultural, economic, and social challenges. He explains why involved fathers are so vital for children, how traditional views of masculinity are being redefined, and what cultural and policy changes are needed to better support fathers in showing up for their families. For more on this topic: Listen to Thomas's award-winning podcast at The Black Fathers' Pulse. Read his SSN key findings brief: Fatherhood: Supporting Healthy, Resilient, and Thriving Family Ecosystems Read his op-ed co-written with Tova Walsh about fathers and their needs in The Hill.

The re-election of President Donald J. Trump is certain to be scrutinized for years to come, but for many voters, the immediate aftermath brings emotions that are complex and deeply felt. In a candid conversation, Dr. Christina Greer, a political science professor at Fordham University, shares her reflections on the 2024 presidential election as an expert on American politics, Black ethnic politics, and campaigns and elections. Dr. Greer discusses the deep-seated forces—such as white supremacy and patriarchy—that cut across racial and gender lines to shape how people vote, and dives into what the next four years might hold for the U.S. For more on this topic: Listen to Greer speak about political matters on the In The Thick podcast. Read her new book, How to Build a Democracy: From Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams.

With the 2024 presidential election just around the corner, Professor Paul Gronke joins us for a conversation about the U.S. voting system. He shares insights into the challenges of election security, the increasing harassment faced by officials on the front lines, and how the "Stop the Steal" movement has shaken public trust. Can the current voting system handle threats to the election? And what reforms are needed to rebuild trust in our elections? Professor Gronke dives into these complexities and discusses what's at stake for democracy in 2024. For more on this topic: Visit the Elections & Voting Information Center for nonpartisan research on election administration. Check out Gronke's opinion piece about the benefits of ranked choice voting in The Oregonian.

For this special guest episode of No Jargon, we're diving into how the Scholars Strategy Network helps scholars turn research into impactful policy. SSN executive director Pao Maynard-Moll spoke with Robert Perkinson, an associate professor of American Studies at the University of Hawaii Manoa and co-leader of the Hawaii SSN chapter, for his Better Tomorrow Speaker Series podcast at the university. They explore how SSN connects academics with policymakers and communities, using real examples from Alabama and Maine to show the power of research in driving change. For more on this topic: Listen to the Better Tomorrow Speaker Series podcast episodes. Read SSN's Annual Report for the 2023-24 academic year.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, students and parents faced a lot of disruptions in their education experience, but student attendance has been a longstanding issue, especially in some urban areas. Factors like poverty, housing instability, and transportation issues contribute to high absenteeism rates. Professor Sarah Winchell Lenhoff discusses some of the reasons why some students miss so much school, the ways in which the pandemic has intensified these challenges, and shares some innovative strategies that are being implemented to address them. For more on this topic: Read Lenhoff's SSN memo: Attendance Incentives Read her policy report, co-written by Jeremy Singer, Walter Cook, and Ben Pogodzinski: Detroit's Uniquely Challenging Context for Student Attendance

The first major storm of the 2024 season, Hurricane Beryl, made history by breaking multiple records and causing widespread devastation along its path. Many of these records were previously set in 2005, a year infamous for storms like Hurricane Katrina, which severely impacted New Orleans. Professor Elizabeth Fussell, a resident of the city at the time, was compelled to study the impact of Katrina. Drawing on this research, she shares insights on how extreme weather events impact communities and what we can learn from this storm, and others like it, to improve our responses as climate change makes these disasters more common and powerful. For more on this topic: Read Fussell's SSN policy brief: Time Does Not Heal All Wounds: Psychological Problems for Poor Mothers Five Years After Hurricane Katrina Check out her opinion piece on the connection between climate change and population growth in the Los Angeles Times

The dual challenges of mental illness and lack of affordable housing are pressing issues in this election year. In March, California voters narrowly approved Proposition 1, which allocates $6.4 billion to construct new housing and treatment facilities for people with mental illness statewide. But will this measure truly benefit this vulnerable population? Professor Neil Gong delves into the history of mental health treatment in the U.S. and how it has shaped our current system and policy conversations. He tells stories of people he met through his research to highlight the stark differences between mental health care available to the wealthy and the poor, and explores potential policy changes to address the intertwined challenges of homelessness and mental health. For more of Neil Gong's work: Read his recent book, Sons, Daughters, and Sidewalk Psychotics: Mental Illness and Homelessness in Los Angeles Check out his opinion piece on Proposition 1 in the Los Angeles Times Read his analysis on the Housing First strategy in The American Prospect

Misinformation seems to be everywhere. From falsehoods about the coronavirus to lies being spread by political leaders and their followers, in recent years it feels like it's getting harder and harder to discern fact from fiction. And with social media and AI permeating our lives, new technologies only seem to be making the situation worse. Professor Ray Block dives into the world of misinformation, sharing lessons from his new position as the Michael D. Rich Distinguished Chair for Countering Truth Decay at the RAND Corporation about what's behind the problem and what can be done to address it. For more on this topic: Listen to this Call with the Experts podcast episode from the RAND Corporation, featuring Professor Ray Block. Check out this RAND Corporation Q&A on the end of Covid-19 public health emergency.

In March, the Justice Department filed a major antitrust complaint against Apple accusing the tech giant of maintaining a monopoly over the smartphone market. This is just the latest action the government has taken against Big Tech in recent years, marking a clear shift from the cozy relationship the industry long had with Washington. What's behind the love/hate relationship between Big Tech and our government? And what can Silicon Valley's past reveal about the way this might all play out going forward? In this archive episode, originally recorded in September 2021, Professor Margaret O'mara digs into the history of Silicon Valley – from its early beginnings to the days of the internet boom – to explain the Valley's ever-present intersection with US politics and make sense of the recent shift. For more of Margaret O'Mara's work: Read her most recent book The Code: Silicon Valley and the Remaking of America. Check out her prior book, Cities of Knowledge: Cold War Science and the Search for the Next Silicon Valley Find her prior opinion pieces about the tech industry in The New York Times

Border crossings coming into the United States are at some of their highest levels in recent history. Cities like Chicago and New York are struggling to provide services while the immigration system is running out of funding and faces a massive backlog of asylum applications. The situation is looking tough for many asylum seekers, but what happens when individuals make it through the system and are granted refugee status? Enter refugee resettlement agencies – organizations that provide food, shelter, and of course, job placement to newly arrived refugees. But according to sociologist Dr. Nicole Kreisberg, their current strategy of job placement is deeply flawed: prioritizing immediate yet low-wage work over long-term reliable employment. In this archive episode, originally released in August 2022, Kreisberg spoke to us about the harms of this strategy and what needs to be done to truly support incoming refugees. For more on this topic: Check out Nicole Kreisberg's SSN brief, co-written by Els de Graauw and Shannon Gleeson: Refugee Settlement Should Look Beyond First Job Placements Read their research paper: Explaining Refugee Employment Declines: Structural Shortcomings in Federal Resettlement Support

Martin Luther King Jr. holds a special place in the American consciousness and is one of the few people to have a federal holiday celebrating his legacy. But what exactly is MLK's legacy? From immigrants rights groups to gun rights activists to politicians, the history of the civil rights movement and MLK's work and words have long been used, and contested, by many different people. Drawing from her new book, Professor Hajar Yazdiha explained why MLK holds such a prominent place in our shared memory, how politicians and social movements have used his legacy for their own causes, and how all this has impacted policy decisions. For more on this topic: Read Yazdiha's book, The Struggle for the People's King: How Politics Transforms the Memory of the Civil Rights Movement Check out her opinion piece in TIME Magazine, The Problem With Comparing Today's Activists to Martin Luther King Jr.

From healthcare strikes to auto workers strikes to the Writers Guild and Hollywood actors strikes, 2023 was an eventful year for union activity. Professor Nathan Wilmers examined the implications of that activity and what it may mean for the future of the labor movement as employees fight for fair wages, equality, and protection in the workplace. Importantly, Professor Wilmers highlighted the history of the labor movement over the past few decades – as it may provide some answers for the future. For more on this topic: Read Wilmers' paper, co-written by Maxim Massenkof: Economic Outcomes of Strikers in an Era of Weak Unions. Read his SSN policy brief: Does Union Activism Actually Raise Wages?

Since the emergence of ChatGPT in late 2022, new artificial intelligence models have captured the attention and fascination of the world. Some Americans are still acquainting themselves with the tools while for others, these models are already becoming an essential part of their workplace. Professor Jim Samuel explained what generative AI is, how it functions, and its ethical concerns. Importantly, Professor Samuel laid out why AI tools like ChatGPT require more transparency and regulation–and what that should look like. For more on this topic: Read Samuel's SSN policy brief: The Critical Need for Transparency and Regulation Amidst the Rise of Powerful Artificial Intelligence Models. Read his other SSN brief: A Call for Proactive Policies for Informatics and Artificial Intelligence Technologies.

While news over Britney Spears's 13-year conservatorship turned what was a largely unfamiliar term into one most Americans now know, involuntary care over adults with certain types of disabilities or severe mental illness is nothing new in the United States. In fact, the contentious battle between civil rights and health care needs goes back decades. Professor Alex V. Barnard explained the history of conservatorships in the state of California, examined the government's role in overseeing involuntary care, and proposed ways the conservatorship system can be improved for those it seeks to help. For more on this topic: Check out Barnard's recently published book, Conservatorship: Inside California's System of Coercion and Care for Mental Illness. Read his OpEd on this topic: California needs new rules as it forces more mentally ill people into treatment.

With abortion bans passing in states all over the country since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, women experiencing miscarriages have been turned away from hospitals because doctors deemed that they weren't in enough clear danger to receive abortion care. Meanwhile, many women experiencing fibromyalgia continue to have their social security disability claims denied because they are not able to provide concrete evidence that their condition severely disrupts their quality of life. According to Professor Dara Purvis, what links these two examples is that many doctors do not believe women who say they are in pain. She explained the role that courts can play on this issue and laid out what needs to happen so women's pain does not continue to be ignored. For more on this topic: Check out Purvis's OpEd: All the Ways Alito's Opinion Might Criminalize Pregnancy Read her law review journal article: Clinical Evidence as Gendered: Fibromyalgia Social Security Disability Claims

According to a recent, federal report, while racial diversity is at an all time high in the K-12 public school system, racial inequality and segregation on school campuses persists, and continues to increase. Professor Erica Frankenberg broke down what racial segregation has looked like for marginalized students over the past few decades, what needs to be done to combat ongoing segregation, and how the recent Supreme Court decision on college admissions directly impacts this pressing issue. For more on this topic: Check out Frankenberg's recent OpEd, co-written with Genevieve Siegel-Hawley: Social Science Explains Why K-12 Integration Efforts Should Continue. Read her paper, co-written by Jongyeon Ee, Jennifer B. Ayscue, and Gary Orfield: Harming Our Common Future: America's Segregated Schools 65 Years After Brown.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) was signed into law almost one year ago, but Americans are still learning how this giant legislative package impacts them. With provisions targeting different sectors of the economy, the IRA has focused most prominently on clean energy investments, prescription drug pricing, and funding for the IRS. And to learn what research can tell us about these major provisions, we spoke to experts who study each of these issue areas. Professor Matto Mildenberger took on the climate provisions, Professor Soumitra Bhuyan discussed health care, and Vanessa Williamson analyzed the increase in IRS funding. Enjoy this jam-packed special edition of No Jargon to celebrate 250 episodes! For more of Matto Mildenberger's work: Check out his book Carbon Captured: How Business and Labor Control Climate Politics. For more of Soumitra Bhuyan's work: Read his paper, co-written by Shiyanbola O, Deka P, Isehunwa OO, Chandak A, Huang S, Wang Y, Bhatt J, Ning L, Lin WJ, and Wyant D: The role of gender in cost-related medication nonadherence among patients with diabetes. For more of Vanessa Williamson's work: Read her book, Read My Lips: Why Americans are Proud to Pay Their Taxes