2.19
Education, Business, & Law
Why the Supreme Court bakery ruling raises more questions than it answers
Two Penn professors discuss the ruling that the state of Colorado was not unbiased in considering a baker’s claims of religious freedom as defense in a discrimination case, and its effect on future cases in regard to bias claims.
Gamers should expect a subdued E3 this year, says Wharton professor
Fewer new launches from big-league game publishers are expected at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, but the business of gaming will continue to grow and evolve online and with smaller games and upgrades.
For first-generation college students, going ‘off script’ is key
At the “I Have a Dream” Foundation gala in New York City, Penn President Amy Gutmann encouraged “dreamers” to not feel limited in their potential to succeed.
Netter Center prepares high school seniors to enter the contemporary workplace
Five students from West Philadelphia explored careers during a six-month internship at Penn, where they learned about fields from accounting to Zamboni operations.
Promoting inclusion at Supplier Diversity Forum and Expo
Discussing strategies for increasing supplier diversity, the event drew 200 local LGBTQ, women, and minority-owned businesses, Penn buyers and community organizations to campus.
‘Candy aspirin,’ safety caps, and the history of children’s drugs
When St. Joseph Aspirin for Children was introduced in the 1940s, it was formulated to be attractive in taste and color to its young audience. Dubbed “candy aspirin,” the product became popular—fast. As a consequence, aspirin poisonings of children under five skyrocketed.
Science and politics: a Q&A with Molly Sheehan
The School of Engineering and Applied Science postdoc researcher discusses what fascinates her about science, her unique path in science and technology, and the role scientists should play in political office.
Listening to the needs of Black male teachers
In researching his forthcoming book, Ed Brockenbrough revealed Black male teachers have a strong sense of responsibility to students, and they feel uniquely alone in that challenge.
Worth a try: anti-bias education in the workplace
Workplaces that address racial bias with anti-bias training have mixed results, but are more inclined than ever to recognize its necessity.
Wrongful convictions reported for 6 percent of crimes
For capital crimes like rape and murder, wrongful convictions happen in about 3 to 5 percent of cases. Such an estimate had proved elusive for the prison population as a whole—until now, thanks to work from Penn criminologists.
In the News
Philadelphia Inquirer
Trump-friendly Newsmax bundled into Comcast’s Xfinity service
The Annenberg School for Communication’s Victor Pickard discussed conservative news channel Newsmax and its recent deal with Comcast. If Comcast is “feeling the heat from the right, it will make sense to appease some of those critics,” said Pickard.
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Allentown (Pa.) Morning Call
Pennsylvania Supreme Court relents for now on medical malpractice changes
Responding to threats by a large health network outside Philadelphia to end cross-county partnerships if venue restraints on medical malpractice lawsuits were lifted, Hanming Fang of the School of Arts and Sciences and the Leonard Davis Institute said changing the venue rule would allow lawyers to file lawsuits in Philadelphia regardless of affiliations with the city’s health systems. “I don’t see that logic,” said Fang.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
From self-care to dumpling tours, Valentine’s Day is becoming more than flowers and chocolates
The Wharton School’s Barbara Kahn spoke about changes in Valentine’s Day gift-giving trends. “It’s easier and easier to acquire stuff, but people are also saying I don’t need just stuff anymore,” she said, in response to this year’s uptick in gifts that center a shared memory or experience.
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“The Pulse,” (WHYY Radio)
What’s the best way to teach math?
Caroline Ebby of the Graduate School of Education said that in the U.S. many people learn math as a set of rules to follow but don’t fully understand the procedures used to solve equations.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
Hershey School’s law firm was arguing two cases before a federal judge—and then hired his son
David Hoffman of the Law School commented on a judge’s decision to reintroduce negligence claims to the suits against the Milton Hershey School. “Federal judges rarely change their mind on reconsideration, and when they do, that kind of open-mindedness should be celebrated,” said Hoffman.
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