4.21
Education, Business, & Law
Research shows substantial drop in crime during COVID-19 pandemic
Professor of law, business, and public policy David S. Abrams’ report, “COVID-19: An Early Empirical Look,” analyzes data from over 25 large cities in the U.S.
Across U.S. Catholic archdioceses, child protection policies vary widely
A report from CHILD USA, led by Professor of Practice Marci Hamilton, found that such policies lack uniformity, aren’t comprehensive, and often don’t take a victim-centered approach.
Robert and Jane Toll Foundation makes $50 million gift to Penn Law
The gift will expand the Toll Public Interest Scholars and Fellows Program, doubling the number of public interest graduates in the coming decade through a combination of full and partial tuition scholarships.
Can election polls be trusted?
Wharton’s Abraham Wyner, whose research covers data science and predictive analytics, explains why polls can be so problematic.
The burning of California
Experts from the Wharton School’s Risk Management and Decision Processes Center discuss the California wildfires, why people underprepare for disasters, and what individuals and governments can do to prevent wildfires in the future.
Estate planning is vital during the pandemic
Penn Law expert discusses how an estate attorney is your best option, but online resources are better than nothing and very important, especially during the coronavirus.
Rebranding the NFL: How the league shifted its message on racial justice
The new football season brings a change in how NFL management is responding to Black Lives Matter and protests on and off the field for racial justice.
The striking shift in climate politics in a post-Sandy New York City
Analysis of conversations with 75 disaster responders, social activists, and others revealed that immediately following the superstorm, the city moved away from cutting greenhouse gas emissions and toward adaptation.
Criminal Defense Clinic students protect the rights of the accused
Penn Law’s Criminal Defense Clinic, taught by experienced practicing attorneys at the Defender Association of Philadelphia gives students the opportunity to represent clients who have no legal resources.
How foreign purchases of U.S. homes impact prices and supply
According to a new paper authored by Wharton researchers, a lack of affordable housing in cities with job growth is exacerbated by foreign buyers.
In the News
Relief, calm, and a sense that ‘justice was served’ as Philadelphia watches Chauvin’s guilty verdict
Krystal Strong, an organizer with Black Lives Matter Philly and assistant professor in the Graduate School of Education’s Literacy, Culture, and International Education Division, says justice was not obtained in the guilty verdict for Derek Chauvin. “Justice means that George Floyd would be here,” she says.
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Anger, anxiety, stress, relief: Therapists say it’s OK for Black people to feel it all
In addition to the next slate of trials for Chuavin’s colleagues, Philadelphians are still processing the fatal police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr. and the city’s own checkered history of policing Black and other communities of color. Ariane Thomas of the Graduate School of Education comments on the importance of talking about feelings and leaning into their complexity.
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Set up branches of elite colleges to expand access?
Rebecca Stein of the Online Learning Initiative responded to an op-ed that suggested universities open multiple campuses in order to diversify the student body. “Teaching online allows universities to reach more students, and more diverse students. It is the path to meeting both the high bar of quality and the goal of inclusion,” she wrote. “Instead of building a campus in Houston, let’s be bold and build a virtual campus.”
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Americans will likely have to navigate a maze of vaccine "passports"
Eric Feldman of the Law School spoke about the legality of businesses requiring proof of vaccination. “In general, private businesses can decide who they're willing to admit into their businesses and serve so long as they don't violate either the federal Civil Rights act or a state law,” he said.
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Don’t fear cryptocurrencies. Manage them
Brian Feinstein and Kevin Werbach of the Wharton School wrote about calls to regulate cryptocurrencies and claims by crypto advocates that regulatory actions will depress trading activity. Feinstein and Werbach’s research “found no evidence that regulatory announcements affect crypto trading volume,” they wrote.
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