April 4, 2024

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14521/14109

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 75

Equal Rights, Interrupted: How the Feminist Movement Regressed Due to White Evangelical Beliefs
(2024-04-04) Wittlieff, Claire
Topic: In this paper/presentation, I examine the blockage of the Equal Rights Amendment in the late 1970s and its correlation to the white evangelical movement of the time. Thesis: In this paper, I will discuss how the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment was deterred due to an increase of conservative and religious influence and why it’s important to the current status of equal rights today. Goal: The goal of my research was to look at the amount of influence that religion holds in the United States and how it affects the political climate, specifically when considering women’s rights. Research: For my research, I drew from primary sources such as the works of Phyllis Schlafly combined with books written about the Equal Rights Amendment and the feminist movement. Results: White evangelical beliefs played a large role in not only the blockage of the Equal Rights Amendment, but also current political affairs such as the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
Comparative Oral Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Use in DIII Collegiate Athletes
(2024-04-04) Williams, Haylee; Cowen, Courtney
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDSs) have a ubiquitous influence globally because these drugs are pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, and accessible over the counter. The mechanism of action of NSAIDs involves the non-selective inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) isoenzyme. The COX-1 isoenzyme plays a physiological role in maintaining the gastrointestinal mucosa lining, platelet aggregation, and kidney function. Therefore, the inhibition of this enzyme leads to adverse health risks. Widespread misuse and misinformation have led to health complications such as gastric bleeding, high blood pressure, and stroke. Previous research indicates alarming risks and health complications from the overuse of NSAIDs in many demographics. Among the populations at risk are college athletes. Collegiate athletes that take higher than recommended doses of NSAIDs are at a greater risk of experiencing potentially serious complications from adverse effects of NSAID action. Previous studies concluded that 50% of athletes use NSAIDs and identified patterns of repeated use while in season and a positive correlation between higher pain incidence and NSAID misuse within the athletic population. This study specifically aims to differentiate NSAID use within each specific sport, identifying prevalence of NSAID use within individual DIII collegiate sports and analyzing the athletes’ knowledge regarding the health risks associated with chronic NSAID overuse. It is hypothesized that: (1) individuals with less knowledge about health risks are more likely to overuse NSAIDs; and (2) sport(s) and athletes with the highest reported pain incidence are more likely to use and overuse NSAIDs. To test these hypotheses, an anonymous Qualtrics survey will be distributed via email to collect relevant data. Survey distribution will occur using collaboration with coaches and the athletic department. Participants are Alma College athletes, age 18-23 who have participated in at least one varsity game or competition. Results will show cross-sectional relationships relevant to NSAID use in Alma College athletes.
Effect of NaCl on Feeding Behaviors of H. Azteca
(2024-04-04) Whitt, Rachel; Grandy, Trevor
Research suggests that freshwater salinization elicits toxicity to a variety of freshwater aquatic invertebrates. While less is known about the ecosystem effects of salinization, previous studies have found that it can influence trophic interactions, altering ecosystem structure. One way it may alter tropic interactions is by impacting organism feeding behaviors. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of sublethal concentrations of road salts, specifically NaCl, on Hyalella azteca shredding behavior of Acer saccharum (sugar maple leaves). Adult H. azteca were exposed to various sublethal concentrations of NaCl and the proportion of leaf material broken down into various size categories was determined post exposure. Preliminary data indicates that NaCl may have an impact on the feeding rates of H. azteca and the particle size distribution of leaves processed by this species. Increased concentrations of NaCl reduced the amount of leaf material converted into finer particles. If freshwater salinization impacts how H. azteca process leaf materials it may not only impact the health of this species, but other species in aquatic systems that depend on the smaller-sized leaf materials.
On the Importance of Biblical Feminism in Today’s Cisheteropatriarchy
(2024-04-04) Wheeler, Maizey
For this presentation, I will be showcasing an academic paper that I wrote as my final project in my Religion, Gender, and Sexuality class, the goal of which was to examine the Christian Bible and emphasize the importance of interpreting its messages in a feminist framework. I believe that by challenging oppressive narratives, Christians can contribute to a transformation towards a community of faith that is wholly inclusive and reveres the worth of all of its followers. In this paper, I argue that the Bible’s messages about women are and have been influenced by a patriarchal and androcentric belief system that fails to recognize and validate female experiences and viewpoints. Utilizing a revisionist approach to biblical interpretation, especially the contributions of biblical scholars like Mary Daly, Elisabeth Shüssler Fiorenza, and Nyasha Junior, I urge my audience to reconsider their own interpretations, by centering the perspectives and lived experiences of women. In doing so, I critique the writings of Luke, John, and Paul, explaining how they’re contradictory to Jesus’ teachings. Additionally, I draw connections to the womanist movement and the queer community by highlighting how Black and queer communities are also impacted by patriarchal messages about the Bible, stressing the importance of acknowledging intersectionality, and exploring solutions to allow for marginalized groups to exist comfortably in traditional Christian spaces. This topic is deeply personal to me as a Christian woman, and I believe that religion should be something that is uplifting and empowering, and should leave nobody ignored. Centering those in society who are most marginalized was central to Jesus’ message, and I’m honored to be able to contribute to this conversation.
Towards a Comprehensive Framework for Combating Contemporary Materials Challenges in School Libraries
(2024-04-04) Watson, Nathaniel
Recent years have seen a significant increase in the volume and public exposure of materials challenges in school libraries. These contemporary challenges distinguish themselves from prior challenges by their focus on materials relating to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the aggressiveness of their tactics and their tendency to disregard official library policies for the submitting and handling of materials challenges. While most of these challenge efforts attempt to present themselves as merely grassroots products of earnest local concern about the materials in school libraries, they often have their origins in nationallevel censorship organizations and conservative politicians. Diverse material in school libraries is valuable because it affirms the experiences of the marginalized, exposes cultural insiders to new perspectives and worldviews, and allows young people to develop more healthily by giving them a space to explore their identities without pressure to conform to peer or adult ideology. This project aims to expose the social and political forces motivating the recent wave of materials challenges, describe the malicious tactics that challengers often employ, and explore the ways that libraries and their supporters have combated challenges. By understanding these things, a comprehensive framework for opposing challenge efforts can be developed. To this end, the author collated a variety of articles, academic materials, and essays from librarians on various elements of the issue. From this research, the author concluded that the essential elements of effective efforts to combat materials challenges in school libraries are building a strong network of personal and professional support, spreading public awareness of challenges via social media, and proactively revising policy to minimize the potential for exploitation by bad faith actors.

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