Capstones

The Capstone is the culmination of the NREI Fellowship experience that allows each Fellow to demonstrate their mastery of a specific topic and the Fellow's research and analytical skills. The final publication must address a key policy/issue within the NREI priorities (Criminal Justice Reform; Education; Health Equity and Economic Opportunity), take a clear position on an issue of interest related to the Fellows' area of specialization, and may focus on a research problem, theoretical/policy issue, new creative work, or novel application. It incorporates concepts, techniques and skills learned throughout the Fellowship experience, through which Fellows can make original scholarly, professional contributions to their field. 

Nurturing Our Future: Reimagining Student Services in Public Education

By Cameryn Blackmore

This capstone demonstrates the need to increase mental health services and personnel in school districts across the country and argues that mental health professionals should be primarily responsible for addressing the social and emotional needs of students.

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Access Denied: Amending the Prison Litigation Reform Act’s Administrative Remedy and Physical Injury Provisions for Cases of Sexual Assault

By Haleigh R. Hoskins

The goal of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) National Racial Equity Initiative (NREI) is to combat systemic injustice and advance racial inequity. With this understanding, NREI recognizes the importance of addressing the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA) using a racial equity lens. However, very little research has been done to amplify the PLRA’s impact on Black inmates experiencing sexual assault.

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A 21st Century Analysis of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 and its Impact on Incarcerated Black Women

By Airenakhue B. Omoragbon, NREI Social Justice Fellow

Through a thorough analysis of the provisions outlined in the Adoption and Safe Families Act, extant legislation aimed at protecting the rights of incarcerated parents, and best practices for engaging with families involved in both the child welfare and criminal justice systems, this study presents a 21st century take on the harm incarcerated Black women experience as a result of the Adoption and Safe Families Act and updated recommendations for how to honor the dignity of Black mothers serving time in prison.

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States Below the Standard: An Analysis of State Minimum Wages and their Effect on Black Communities

By Jasmine Payne, John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellow

This report explores the history of low and no minimum wage states and explains the overlap of race with economic data to assess the impact on the Black community.

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