Studies

Could Red-Flag Laws Be the Key to Stopping Mass Shootings? Insights from Recent Studies

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In states across the U.S., red-flag laws, also known as extreme risk protection orders, are increasingly seen as a critical tool in the effort to curb mass shootings. These laws, which now exist in at least 19 states and the District of Columbia, allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. These legislative measures permit family members, law enforcement, and, in some cases, other community members to petition a court to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person who may be at risk of committing violence. … Read more

UTSA Research Expands to Examine Juror Decisions: New Insights from Child Witness Studies Led by Rising Scholar

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San Antonio, Texas – At the University of Texas at San Antonio, research in the GROWTH lab is providing innovate insights into jury deliberations involving child witnesses, a topic with limited existing research. Under the mentorship of Assistant Professor of Psychology Monica Lawson, Tori Holland’s work is drawing attention and praise. With new funding secured, this pilot study is set to expand and deepen our understanding of juror behavior. Under Holland’s leadership, the lab has previously focused on distilling deliberations of mock jurors from UTSA into meticulously detailed transcripts, noting every gesture and spoken word. … Read more

Federal Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against Ethnic Studies Curriculum in California, Citing Lack of Evidence

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Los Angeles — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit targeting the United Teachers Los Angeles and a group responsible for developing a debated ethnic studies curriculum, which has been implemented by several school districts across California. The lawsuit, initiated by Concerned Jewish Parents and Teachers of Los Angeles, claimed the curriculum propagated views that were antisemitic and alienating to Jewish and Zionist teachers. Judge Fernando Olguin of the Central District of California delivered a forceful 49-page pretrial ruling on Nov. 30, determining that the complaint was convoluted and lacked persuasive evidence. The dismissal “with … Read more

Religious Studies Professor S Brent Rodriguez-Plate Takes on The Berlin International Film Festival: An Ecumenical Journey Through Diverse Films

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Berlin, Germany – Professor of Religious Studies S Brent Rodriguez-Plate recently had the honor of being a member of the ecumenical jury at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, also known as the Berlinale. As a longstanding tradition, the ecumenical jury at the Berlinale recognizes and celebrates outstanding international films. Over the course of ten days, Rodriguez-Plate and the jury watched more than 30 films, encompassing a diverse range of genres and settings. This year, the ecumenical jury presented awards in three categories: the main competition, panorama, and forum. The top prize in the main … Read more