socialjusticewithemma

 Global Perspectives on Social Justice & Advocacy  Emma Short University of Nebraska at Kearney SOWK-420: Diversity and Social Justice  Dr. Jody Laningham  12/05/25   Summarize each of the two issues (a few sentences) and cite a significant fact or statistic regarding each social justice issue  I decided to choose social justice issues in France. The two topics I chose to talk about are how France is redefining rape in a landmark law, which is a critical step in ending sexual violence. “France’s Parliament has adopted a landmark law that defines rape as any non-consensual sexual act, a significant milestone in the fight against sexual violence in the country.” (Saez & Fondacci). The second topic I chose is the educational barriers faced by overseas territories, specifically in Mayotte. “The French overseas department of Mayotte, an island territory in the Indian Ocean and former French colony, is failing to provide education to all children, Human R...

 Current Social Justice Issues In Wyoming State Legislation Emma Short University of Nebraska at Kearney SOWK-420: Diversity and Social Justice November 21, 2025 Identify the proposed bill by its specific number, LB###, and provide a summary of the proposed legislation. Where applicable and appropriate, this should include a summary of the problem experienced by the population affected by your choice of legislation.  I am from Wyoming. I decided to choose a bill that was proposed in Wyoming. The bill I chose is HB0064 - Chemical Abortions - Ultrasound Requirements. “This bill summarizes that at least 48 hours before a pregnant woman procures the drugs necessary for a chemical abortion (an abortion completed through the use of a drug or medication to terminate a pregnancy that can be confirmed through conventional medical testing), the pregnant woman must receive an ultrasound.” ( wyoleg.gov ). There were many bills this year that addressed the topic of abortion. As we all have...

 Reflections on Religion & Spirituality  Emma Short University of Nebraska at Kearney  SOWK-420: Diversity and Social Justice  Dr. Jody Van Laningham  November 14, 2025  What stood out to you from the information about religious diversity in the United States population -- cite some new information you learned, some facts that are surprising to you, or information you find to be especially important. (Be specific and cite the source of the information from the course materials.)  What really stands out about religious diversity in the United States is how it serves as a living reflection of the nation’s complex history and cultural evolution. Imagine walking through a city where you might pass by churches of various Christian denominations, including Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox. “Christian 81%, 55% Protestant; 26% Catholic.” (Canvas PowerPoint 2025).  Alongside synagogues, mosques, temples, and places of worship for many other faiths. T...

Reflections on Immigration                                                                             Emma Short   University of Nebraska at Kearney  SOWK-420: Diversity and Social Justice October 31, 2025    Did the  30 Days  video influence your views regarding undocumented immigrants or immigration policy in any way?   I found the 30 Days video very interesting. I was intrigued at the beginning of the video when Frank, his wife, and his group of friends took matters into their own hands to patrol the border. “I can’t stand by and watch thousands of people come into this country illegally.” (30 Days 3:42). I thought that he was courageous; his beliefs were strong enough to take time out of his weekends and personal life to patrol the border and protect his country. “F...

 Reflecting on Diversity  Emma Short University of Nebraska at Kearney  SOWK-420: Diversity and Social Justice Dr. Jody Van Laningham  October 10, 2025    With whom did you identify most strongly in the video, and why? (a list of the characters in the film is provided below.)       During this video, I found myself agreeing and relating to David Lee, Victor, and Gordon the most. They were very passionate about how they presented themselves. I consider myself American, but a significant portion of my family is of Irish and Italian descent. I was born in the United States and raised as an American. Davis Lee said the same thing. He identifies with being American. He is Chinese, but as he mentioned, he was born in America and educated there. This was very bold of him to say, especially with understanding Chinese Americans, who hold their traditions and culture extremely close to their hearts. I also liked that Victor said that he is a racis...

 Oppression of Women Around the World Emma Short University of Nebraska at Kearney SOWK-420: Diversity and Social Justice Dr. Jody VanLaningham September 26, 2025   The story that stuck out to me was the female genital cutting; it was horrible to watch and to imagine. “3 million girls a year are cut” (Half the Sky 15:27). People like Edna are warriors; they are trying to help these problems throughout the world. They are standing up for these women who are cut open to have children; these women have 10-11 children, and each time they have a child, their risk of death goes up drastically. Enda has developed a program where midwives are stationed around areas that need them. They are there to prevent disease and death. Unfortunately, many health services are not available. There are many reasons that women are not able to survive childbirth, and the traditional thinking is that if you seek help for childbirth, you are considered weak. I don’t think that people in the United Stat...