b'Project Baby: The Effects of Public Housing on Academic RatesXaviera K. BarnwellSponsor: Dr. Lavonna Lovern, Department of Interdisciplinary StudiesEarning a high school diploma in the U.S. is considered to be a precursor for entering college or finding a living-wage job. However, for students in poverty, a high school diploma is not assured. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2018), general poverty levels dropped by 0.5% to 11.8%. However, for individuals aged 25 or older without a high school diploma the rate of poverty increased by 1.4%. This was the only demographic that experienced an increase (Census.gov). For many students in poverty, gaining a diploma is understood to be essential for success and often it is also understood to be a luxury that is out of reach. This paper will examine redlining as one of the roadblocks for impoverished students in their attempts to gain a diploma. While the Fair Housing Act disallowed redlining fifty years ago, the remnants, and some say the actual practices, remain in what are now called underserved communities. This paper will explain the concept of redlining, look at many of the political issues involved, and explain the current role these policies play in inhibiting equal educational opportunity.The Impact of Stonewall and the Journey towards Gay PrideYasmine R. ValdezSponsor: Dr. Lavonna Lovern, Department of Interdisciplinary StudiesThe month of June is nationally recognized as gay pride month in order to honor the men, women, and non-binary people who were involved in historic events such as the Stonewall riots. The Stonewall riots started on June 28, 1969 inside a gay bar that police often raided in Greenwich Village, New York. That night, patrons in the bar decided to fight back after multiple encounters with police harassment. These riots would later be described as one of the first major steps towards LGBTQ equality. This paper will examine the impact of the Stonewall riots as well as individuals such as Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay politicians, and Gilbert Baker, who designed the Gay Pride flag, in order to create a timeline of LGBTQ civil rights actions. The paper will discuss the advance of LGBTQ rights as well as setbacks such as President Clintons Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy and the Defense Against Marriage Act. The conclusion of this paper will focus on how, while facing deadly attacks and continued political and social discrimination, the LGBTQ community has persevered, grown, and advanced their civil rights in the United States.80'