Women In Politics Magazine: Deja Vu

Welcome back to class! discussion: how are we feeling?

+ Sept. 2021

A WORD FROM OUR EDITING LEADER Cedar roach

September has always been one of my favorite months of the year. From cooler weather to oversized plaid blazers to the perfect cup of tea, September ushers in the fall aesthetic of my dreams. Apart from bringing us idyllic scenery, September also marks the beginning of the school year for many Americans.

After a year of Zoom classes and online exams, this year’s back to school is more important than usual as school districts attempt to transition back to normalcy. The reality, however, is that a transition back to “normal” is not a place that young students across the country want to go back to.

Undoubtedly, the last year and a half of the pandemic highlighted a whole host of social issues in

These topics and countless others throughout the pandemic heightened political awareness and activism for so many students and we discovered the issues with the old “normal.” With all the progress that we helped fight for, it’s hard to imagine, let alone advocate, for a fully pre-pandemic world.

America. Inside classrooms, the topic of mental health came to the forefront of discussion as students struggled with feelings of depression and anxiety during a tumultuous year. The summer of 2020 called attention to the fight for racial justice as the Black Lives Matter movement was felt all across the country. During the Presidential Election in November 2020, questions were raised regarding voter accessibility as the pandemic limited voting options for many communities. As COVID-19 disproportionately affected the disabled community, awareness was raised for the inequality that disabled individuals face daily. Fights for freedom in America and abroad, showcased the fragility of democracy and the role we each must play to protect it.

As we go back to school, we are given a chance to redefine what normal looks like for us. This month’s issue highlights that by celebrating how far we have come since the start of COVID and raising questions about where we still have to go–both inside and outside the four walls of a classroom. As always, happy reading! And keep up the good work!

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Contents 10 Ways To Step Up Your Political Involvement This School Year

BY: ANNALESE CAHILL

Opinion: The Politics of Critical Race Theory: Why We Need to Implement CRT in US School Curriculum

BY: ISABELLA RINALDI

The Growing Climate Crisis: What Can We Do?

BY: HANNA MATSUKAWA

Financial Literacy: The Core Curriculum is Essential to Healing the Wealth Gap

BY: MADDY LICEA

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Andrew Cuomo: From Esteemed Leader to Destined for Disaster

BY: MARY COREY

Politics in the Classroom: The Historical Scopes Monkey Trials

BY: VERONICA ROHLFING

The Delta Variant: What We Know and it’s Impact

BY: SARA KEEGAN

10 Ways to Step Up Your Political Involvement This School Year For young women interested in politics, different political sectors can be intimidating. There is often a bias that young people, especially women, face when exploring these opportunities. Young people can be overlooked because of the presumption that they are naïve, inexperienced, or uneducated. However, involvement among teenagers and young adults is crucial to local, state, and federal political sectors.

BY: ANNALESE CAHILL

Young people bring the passion, energy, and open mindedness needed to manage the ever-changing responsibilities of life in politics.

Even though you may not be looking for a full-time job, there are plenty of ways to increase your political involvement this school year. Taking a step beyond Instagram graphics will give you a deeper understanding of your interests, skills, and current events. Here are ten ways in which

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you can step it up this school year.

1. Read a Non-fiction Book Reading may not seem like an active form of political participation, but information is more effective than you realize. Increasing your knowledge on an

2. Volunteer on a campaign

interesting policy issue or a political ideology can give you a well-rounded

Most Americans only pay attention to

perspective on issues that you support.

presidential election cycles, but elections

You can understand the other side of an

happen every year in November at the

argument and use statistics to support

local, state, and federal level. No matter

your stance during conversations. Young

where you are, there are going to be

minds can absorb an incredible amount

races for councils, state legislatures, or

of information, so take advantage of

even congressional seats. Find the

that! Start by researching authors, issues,

websites for these candidates and email

or organizations that interest you, and

them to ask about opportunities for

read a few pages a day. Also, ask your

students. By phone banking, canvassing,

teachers and mentors for book

or volunteering in the office for a few

recommendations. They will be very

hours a week, you will make connections

impressed and excited to share with you.

with elected officials, staffers, and

It won’t be long until you are the expert

community leaders that will help you in

among your peers.

high school, college, and beyond.

3. Join Model UN (united nations) Most likely, your school has some sort of Model U.N. or debate club where you can participate in mock debates and parliamentary-style discussions. If you are interested in public service or political leadership, this is a low-stake way to learn about the decision making of an elected official or leader.

You can also learn about current events, foreign policy, and the legislative process with peers and mentors to consult. This is also a great way to become a creative problem solver.

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4. Follow your favorite Officials/organizations on social media Monitoring content from your local, state, and federal officials in a great way to know what is happening in your community. The national news is helpful, but this will aid you in understanding how policy makers are directly impacting your life. Being able to identify your elected officials and their policy will also help you have more productive conversations in your community, especially if you are interested in lobbying change or starting a petition in your area. Following other organizations is also a great way to stay updated on your issues of interest.

5. Grab a cup of coffee with your community leaders

6. Create a linkedin account

Whether it be a pastor, city council

For those who are not familiar, LinkedIn is

member, CEO, or elected official, many

like a professional Facebook. Your profile

leaders are very excited to talk to young

reflects your work experience, and you

people about political efforts. This is also

can create posts about your personal

a great avenue to network and gather

achievements and updates. You can also

information about your interests. If

follow public figures and organizations

someone has your dream job, reach out to

that post articles about events or policy.

them! If you are passionate about a local

Linking with people on this platform will

policy issue or curious about a day in the

help you stay connected with people you

life, it is very likely that this person would

meet in your activities.

love to talk to you about it. You may be young, but your voice is very powerful!

7. Write!

Writing is the most important skill you can ever develop in politics. Words are powerful, and your thoughts matter. By writing a letter to an elected official or an opinion editorial to your local newspaper, you can amplify your voice. This helps mobilize people around a certain policy issue, or it can persuade a legislator to create a bill.

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Don’t keep your opinions to yourself. Reflect, educate yourself, and write it down.

8. Attend events in your community A community barbecue might not seem very political, but this is where you are going to be able to learn the most about your community. Step out of your comfort zone. Try to meet people with a different perspective than you. You may meet someone with the same passions as you, or you might meet someone who is

10, Read, Not watch, the news every day

struggling with an issue that you know how to fix. Use your education to empower your community. If you have a spot at the table, you can use your voice to share the struggles of people that don’t. The best way to learn about these hidden struggles is through community involvement.

If you are looking to become more involved politically, this route is the most important. Television news from all sides have used fear mongering as a tactic to increase viewership. Reading the news is the most effective way to gain unbiased information about current events.

Research to find one unbiased news

9. run for student government

source at the local, state, and federal level. Check each of these sources once a day and look at the headlines. Scan a few articles everyday that interest you,

Your school also probably has a student government organization into which you can be elected to represent your class.

These positions allow you to meet more students in your grade and work closely with your school’s administration to create changes that help your peers. For example, if you want your school to be

and you will be able to keep up with the world around you. Reflecting upon current events is crucial to academics, community involvement, and any other political activities that you will do during the school year. Reading the news is a surefire way to boost your involvement in all other sectors.

more sustainable, you can use this platform to implement compositing in your cafeteria. Student government is a great opportunity for students who like public speaking, leadership, and hard work.

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OPINION:THE POLITICS OF CRITICAL RACE THEORY: Why We Need to Implement CRT in US School Curriculum

By: Isabella Rinaldi

The recent rise in the nation’s reflection of

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is an

racism following the murder of George

intellectual movement founded in the

Floyd has brought the Critical Race

1970s by legal scholars as a framework for

Theory, 40 year old framework for systemic

legal analysis; it’s now a method of

racism, back into the spotlight. Many

examination that helps us understand

activists, politicians, and scholars have

systemic racism in US society today. Its

sought to implement Critical Race Theory

premise suggests that, considering there is

into US school curricula, which would only

objectively no biological difference

help to better educate students about the

between races, race is a social construct.

country’s racist past, but also help them

When we understand race as a social

better identify and understand the

construct, we can determine that racism is

systemic racism that is woven in our

not only a product of individual bigotry,

institutions and policies today. However,

but is also embedded in our legal systems,

the debate on Critical Race Theories'

institutions, and policies: hence, systemic

potential role in US school curricula has

racism. CRT not only identifies these

prompted major disputes between

issues, but offers tools and strategies, such

legislators, parents, and school districts

as to curtail and uproot racism itself.

nationwide.

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CRT is vital to the growth of the nation

The issue is, their argument against

in order to surpass its bigoted past

implementing CRT in the US curriculum

toward a more equitable society.

is merely presenting itself as an

Implementing CRT in K-12 classes to

argument about power; ironically

address our history of racism, our

proving the ideology of CRT as well.

current systemic racism, and create a

On January 12, 2021, Keith Ammon, a

united future. Nevertheless, Republican

Republican member of the New

states and their parents and school

Hampshire House of Representatives,

districts beg to differ. As of June 26,

introduced a bill that was constructed

eight states and their legislators have

to forbid “race or sex scapegoating”.

abolished some or all parts of Critical

According to Ammon, “using taxpayer

Race Theory teachings in K-12,

funds to promote ideas such as ‘one

enacting laws to penalize schools or

race is inherently superior to another

teachers teaching CRT. Kimberlé

race or sex’ … only exacerbates our

Crenshaw, a founding critical race

differences.” Clearly, this argument

theorist and Columbia Law School

exhibits a lack of knowledge on what

professor, says that CRT is a discipline

exactly CRT is and its purpose in an

that seeks to understand how racism

educational setting and we can see

has shaped U.S. laws, and how those

that anti-CRT advocates only wish to

laws have continued to impact the

conceal our racist past out of fear of a

lives of non-white people. Today,

falling white supremacy.

schools are primarily funded through property tax, which consequently results in poorer students to have worse education; this, in turn, creates a ripple effect, hindering students of color from succeeding and moving forth in their careers and education as opposed to their white peers. This structural racism is evidently embedded in our policies, creating generations and generations of people of color inherently poor.

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Since the country’s founding, America has been notoriously avoiding our past of racism by teaching kids around America a sanitized version and racial illusion of history. In many textbooks today, slaves are referred to as “immigrants”'. Our history curriculum is flawed and depicts a false narrative of our racist past. Many Republican Legislators have also persistently claimed that CRT’s framework shames only white children, therefore creating more segregation. This failed rhetoric is only showing once again how CRT is misrepresented and used as a political tool rather than approached as a framework for education. Implementing CRT is not about making kids feel bad, but teaching them our unsanitized history, and helping them reckon with how to overcome these issues caused by those living in the aforementioned sanitized history.

Vida A. Robertson, director of the Center for Critical Race Studies expresses the importance of implementing CRT in US school curricula by conforming, “The goal of CRT is to equip students with the ability to change the systems, structures and institutions that maintain racial inequities,”. Passing bills that abolish CRT only confirms the ideology that racism is embedded in laws and policy in the US today. CRT is our first step toward leading and creating a more united and equal future.

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WHAT CAN WE DO? Climate change is one of the most pressing

By: Hanna Matsukawa

Scientists have looked at the devastating

issues of our time. Since scientists first studied

floods, fires, and increasing temperatures

global warming in 1896, the state of our

around the world and have pointed to

environment has grown increasingly worse.

climate change. In August 2021, as the

Carbon emissions are reaching dangerous

world was forced to reckon with this

levels, global temperatures are ascending, and

growing climate crisis, the United Nations’

increasing natural disasters pose a deadly

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate

threat to all.

Change (IPCC) released its Sixth

Global warming has raised temperatures and produced drier conditions, escalating the spread and damage of wildfires. As of August 2021, California had at least 6,000 wildfires burning over one million acres across the state and polluting the sky. A heatwave across the Mediterranean has caused wildfires in Greece and Italy. Recently, the fires spread to the south of France, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes. As Turkey began to

Assessment Report on the future effects of global warming. According to the new IPCC report summary, “human-induced climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe.” The increasing droughts, heatwaves, and hurricanes are caused by climate change and, subsequently, by human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels.

control crippling wildfires that started in late July, the country was hit with a flash flood in August that killed at least 77 people. Germany was hit with catastrophic flooding in July, killing over 150 people. India, China, Japan, countries in the Caribbean, and more have also experienced deadly floods this summer.

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U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres

Soon after the new IPCC report came out,

has called the IPCC report, “a code red for

the U.S. Senate passed a $1 trillion

humanity.” The report lays out possibilities

bipartisan infrastructure bill that includes

for a future that will undoubtedly be

funds for action against climate change

affected by global warming. Extreme

and relief from climate change-induced

droughts, heavy precipitation, and tropical

natural disasters. Some examples of where

cyclones will only continue and global

funding would go include restoring coastal

temperatures will keep rising in the next 30

habitats and expanding clean energy. This

to 50 years. Perhaps the most serious part

new infrastructure bill has yet to be passed

is that the IPCC reports, “Many changes

by the House of Representatives, but

due to past and future greenhouse gas

nevertheless, it is a huge step forward in

emissions are irreversible for centuries to

American climate change politics.

millennia, especially changes in the ocean, ice sheets and global sea level.” Despite society’s increasing efforts, there seems to be little humanity can do to save the earth from our destruction.

As the Senate has shown us, climate change is a bipartisan issue, it is a global human issue. Minimizing personal carbon footprint through actions like reducing plastic bag usage, responsibly using

While completely preventing a future

energy, and finding sustainable and ethical

harmed by climate change is impossible,

ways to shop does reduce carbon

there are some things we can still do to

emissions, after all, a little goes a long

lessen the intensity of impending disaster.

way. However, countries and large

Though emissions need to be cut by at

corporations also need to step up and find

least 7% yearly, and scientists have been

ways to drastically cut their carbon

warning countries to start slashing their

emissions. Reducing or eliminating the

carbon footprint for decades, reducing

extraction of fossil fuels, using clean

CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions

energy, and investing in good public

to at least a net-zero balance can still

transportation are just a few of the many

decrease the effects of human-induced

ways countries can cut their carbon

global warming in the coming decades.

emissions. Companies can follow environmental regulations, invest in clean energy, and use sustainable materials to become green. We all need to do our part for the environment before this climate

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crisis spirals entirely out of our control.

Financial Literacy: THE CORE CURRICULUM IS ESSENTIAL TO HEALING THE WEALTH GAP The United States of America: land of the free along with an abundance of opportunity. However, opportunity does not look the same to everyone in the U.S., especially for minorities and women. The wage gap by gender remains prevalent in the U.S.- for every dollar a man earns, a woman earns 82 cents. However, if we provide men and women equal access to the tools to optimize their financial opportunity, this wage gap could look

BY: MADDY LICEA

significantly different. Implementing financial literacy as a requirement in American public schools is an essential component of healing the wage gap.

Financial literacy is the understanding of the backbone of currency along with its functions; a concept with which any person needs to be equipped to make sound financial decisions on which one could survive and thrive. A report conducted by World Bank Researchers and a business research professor at George Washington University found that women significantly trail men in the understanding of financial concepts.

While there are many solutions to help close the wage gap, financial literacy requirements are the most effective method. When all students are required to have a firm understanding of the tools and functions of finances- we could heal many of the social factors behind this wage gap. If students were taught the tax benefits they could receive through a 529 college savings plan they could utilize every penny they intend to use for education.

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An aspect of the wage gap is social expectations. Woman's place is on wall street and it's time we tell everyone. Many social norms just associate men with financial understanding, many on Tik Tok associate certain types of men as “finance bros.”

Social stereotypes associate men with money.

When young girls are growing up, not only do they witness these stereotypes, but also a lack of examples. Girls grow up seeing men on currency but no women, they see who the top 10 richest people in America are who are all men except for Alice Walton, who inherited her father's company, they see the top three richest women in America and see women who have gained their fortune through inheritance from their father or a divorce. While there are an abundance of women who earned immense power and wealth in the financial world, they are not given near the media coverage as the women previously mentioned.

With these role models, young women see that they can only build a fortune through divorce or inheritance- a discouraging and disappointing message which is simply not true.

Exposing women to financial literacy at a young age provides encouragement and the resources to be successful. Many could argue that women are not as prominent in the financial industry due to a lack of interest, which could not be further from the truth. Women make up 46% of financial service employees, but only 15% of financial executives. The financial industries expectations are set against women, the wage calculations are designed by men, for men.

As one compares female to male wages, the wage gap expands as degrees earned increases, which is yet another discouraging message for women who are interested in the field. Women want to be in the financial industry but have to break through a thick glass ceiling in such a male-dominated power dynamic. If we start providing women with exposure, opportunity, and encouragement in the financial industry at a young age, we can break this glass ceiling.

It is time we give every child in the United States the tools to be financially successful. It is

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time women get their voice heard in the financial industry and it all starts with understanding through education.

Andrew Cuomo: From Esteemed Leader to Destined for Disaster By: Mary Corey

Political dynasties have been a part of American politics since the country’s founding. From the Adams to the Kennedys to, more recently, the Cuomos, many of America's most influential political figures have come from a long line of political power. But, as is the case of Andrew Cuomo, generations of power can be taken away in the blink of an eye.

The Cuomos have long held great political power in the New York Democratic Party; a Cuomo has run for statewide office in every election but one since 1974. As the son of former New York governor Mario Cuomo, Andrew Cuomo has been involved in politics from a very young age. He served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001, and then made his first run for office in 2002, in which he didn’t even make it to the general election. On his second try, Andrew Cuomo was elected New York attorney general in 2006, and then ran for governor and won in 2010. His time as governor is generally considered productive, signing legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in New York in 2011, banning fracking in 2014, increasing the minimum wage, and overseeing large tax cuts.

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Recently, the roles of governors across the country changed drastically, unprecedented management of the Covid-19 pandemic was placed in their hands. As New York City became an early epicenter of the pandemic, Cuomo was thrust into the spotlight.

Throughout his increasingly popular press briefings, Cuomo criticized Trump for his lack of leadership, and was considered- at least be liberals-to be a voice of reason during such uncertain times. Many Democratic Party insiders believed this to be the moment Cuomo was made for, where he would finally get the recognition he deserved.

However, even at the peak of his popularity, Cuomo was not without his critics. Many accused him of causing unnecessary deaths among nursing home patients due to a controversial state policy that sent infected people to nursing homes. In addition, the FBI launched an investigation into claims that Cuomo’s administration had been under counting nursing home deaths. These scandals prompted a discussion regarding the possible over extension of Cuomo’s emergency powers, one of the several things that began to isolate the governor from his party.

Then in late 2020, the first sexual harassment allegations broke. On December 13th, 2020, Lindsey Boylan took to Twitter, accusing Cuomo of sexually harassing her and kissing her against her will. On February 24th, 2021, Boylan elaborated on these allegations. Allegedly, Cuomo’s behavior during her time at the state’s economic development agency was inappropriate, inviting her to play strip poker with him on a government plane in 2017, then kissing her on the lips without warning in 2018. Although Boylan was the first woman to come forward, she was far from the last. Only three days later, on February 27th, Charlotte Bennet shared her story in an article published by the New York Times. Bennet Claims that on June 5th, 2019, she was alone with Cuomo in his state Capitol office when he asked her personal and invasive questions about her sex life. He allegedly asked her if she thought age mattered in romantic relationships, whether her relationships were monogamous, and if she had ever slept with an older

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man. Bennet was extremely uncomfortable with these questions, she took them as the governor trying to initiate a sexual relationship with her.

Anna Ruch also went to the New York Times with her story. On March 1st, 2021, the New York Times published Ruch’s experiences. Reportedly, Cuomo Placed his hands on her lower back and face, asked if he could kiss her, and kissed her on the cheek at a wedding reception in September 2019 . Ruch’s allegations were the first to come from someone who wasn’t a current or former employee of the Cuomo administration. A former Cuomo press aide added to the growing list of allegations on March 6th, claiming Cuomo had invited her to his hotel room in 2000. He reportedly gave her an uncomfortable hug, which she pulled away from, but was aggressively pulled back into.

On that same day, Ana Liss, who worked as a policy and operations aid for Cuomo from 2013 to 2015, came forward with her story in an article for The Wall Street Journal. She alleged Cuomo had asked about her relationship status, called her sweetheart, touched her lower back, and kissed her hand.

On March 9th, the Albany Times-Union reported

So where does all this leave Andrew

the accusation of an anonymous sixth woman.

Cuomo? A report released by the State

This staffer accused the governor of

Attorney General, Letitia James, detailed

inappropriately touching her at the governor’s

the 11 women’s claims of various degrees

mansion after she had been called there to

of sexual misconduct and harassment by

work. The next allegations came on March 12th

Cuomo. Amidst calls for resignation, by

in a piece published by The Cut, written by

people as high up as President Biden

Jessica Bakeman. Bakeman claims that during a

himself, and talk of impeachment, Cuomo

holiday party at the governor's mansion in 2014,

resigned on August 10th, 2021. Cuomo

Cuomo grabbed her and pulled her

could still face criminal charges, with

uncomfortably close to him for a photo. On

numerous prosecutors throughout the

March 19th, 2021, the first allegation from a

state holding ongoing investigations. The

current Cuomo employee was released. In a

future remains a mystery. Because the

New York Times piece, Alyssa McGrath claimed

State Assembly decided to drop their

Cuomo would stare at her body, call her

impeachment proceedings, Cuomo could

beautiful in Italian, and often make suggestive

technically make another run in the future.

comments towards her. The last allegations

For now, lieutenant governor Kathy Hochul

came on March 29th when Sherry Vill alleged

will become New York’s first ever female

that Cuomo had taken her hand, and pulled her

governor.

in for a kiss after a tour of flood damage in her town in 2017.

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POLITICS IN THE CLASSROOM: THE HISTORIC SCOPES MONKEY TRIALS By: Veronica Rohlfing The standard American classroom is often portrayed as an apolitical atmosphere where teachers provide students with textbook knowledge and proven fact. This idea that “politics have no place in the classroom,” seems to be a common misconception about our schools. Historically, several points of contention have erupted across American legislatures and courtrooms to change what— and how—material is presented.

For example, the Butler Act of 1925 prohibited Tennessee public school teachers from teaching about evolution. According to a 2005 NPR timeline, the law prohibited “any theory that denies the story of the Divine Creation of man as taught in the Bible.”

Due to the surmounting tensions between Christian Fundamentalists and Scientific Modernists regarding how to teach the origin of mankind in schools, this act garnered attention from the ACLU. They asked for teachers to volunteer to break the law in order to bring it to court. John Scopes did just that, and was indicted. His trial was essentially a publicity stunt, in which vendors sold stadium-food and even Bibles outside the courthouse. His was the first trial to be nationally broadcast on the radio.

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The Scopes Trial was neither the first nor last time that politics would interfere in the American education system, but the ruling in Epperson v.

3-time Presidential Nominee William

Arkansas signaled a shift in the nature

Jennings Bryan led the prosecution.

of American public schools. No longer

According to Britannica, the judge

were schools allowed “to prohibit, on

refused to challenge the Butler Act’s

pain of criminal penalty, the teaching of

constitutionality, as it was Scopes

a scientific theory or doctrine where

on trial and not the law itself.

that prohibition is based upon reasons

Barred from utilizing expert

that violate the First Amendment,” as

testimony from scientists, the

explained by Oyez.

defense called upon Bryan himself to testify as a biblical expert. He proceeded to incorrectly answer their questions and contradict his own statements, much to the amusement of the attendees.

Nonetheless, Scopes was found guilty of violating the Butler Act, and was fined $100. It wasn’t until 1967 that the act was overturned, according to the Public Broadcasting Service. A year later, SCOTUS unanimously ruled in Epperson v. Arkansas that antievolution laws violated the First Amendment. Specifically, the Establishment Clause, which states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”

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Today, many states have imposed laws that limit teachers’ abilities to teach certain subjects. Earlier this year in Oklahoma, the Governor signed a bill that restricts the way that teachers are allowed to discuss race and gender. The text states that teachers can’t teach concepts such that “any individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish… on account of his or her race or sex.” It also bans institutions of higher education from enforcing mandatory gender or sexual diversity training.

Many see this as a necessary law to reinforce racial equality in curriculums, while others see it as an unnecessary jab meant to keep teachers from discussing how race functions in society.

A similar law in Texas “ban[s] lessons that cause students to feel discomfort, guilt or distress on account of their race or sex,” according to NPR. Teachers would be required, according to the bill, to discuss social and political policy “without giving deference to any one perspective.”

While many agree that classrooms should be apolitical, many teachers worry that this bill will force them to engage in morally questionable conversation about topics like slavery, the Holocaust, Indian Removal, etc. as they will be required to cover all perspectives on the issue.

As public opinion continues to shift and sway on controversial issues, classroom curriculum will continue to change. It’s nice to believe that “politics don’t belong in the classroom,” but there is both historic and modern evidence to suggest otherwise.

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The Delta Varient: WHAT WE KNOW AND ITS IMPACT BY: SARA KEEGAN

As vaccinations were distributed, Covid-19 cases decreased worldwide, and mandates loosened, it seemed as though the world was headed towards normalcy once again. However, as we took many steps forward, it seems we are abruptly taking double the steps back

Beginning in January 2021, the CDC announced their discovery of the Delta Variant, a new strand of SARS-CoV-2. It is regarded as the most contagious and

Thus, despite the immense progress that

severe of the COVID variants, leading

had been made worldwide, the Delta

many healthcare workers to become

Variant made many uneasy about what

worried over its own impact on vaccinated

was to come, and if it could possibly lead

and unvaccinated individuals.

to yet another lockdown.

As of August 2021, the United Kingdom is said to have the most number of reported cases, totaling about 273,000. In second place comes the United States, with roughly 100,000 reported cases. Many of these cases have been said to be much more severe than any other strand of COVID, even for people vaccinated.

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Such documentation has led many healthcare workers to believe that the only way for humans to be most protected is through vaccinations, as those who were unvaccinated suffered more severely. Thus, efforts by the CDC and officials have been extensive in pushing for people to get vaccinated in order to ensure safety and good health for the overall population. Being vaccinated greatly lowers one’s risk of hospitalization if diagnosed with COVID, which is incredibly important to lower the number of cases and deaths.

The discovery of the delta variant and its existence globally has led many to ask the same question; will this be a repeat of what the entire world went through in 2020?

Will students of all ages be impacted if the variant worsens? Many governors and education officials have announced that schools will be going entirely back in person; however, with the delta variant looming, many are unsure if this will stand for the coming months. The CDC has now recommended that students and teachers eligible should get the vaccine to decrease the likelihood of the variant being spread. In addition, the CDC has strongly recommended that students wear masks, no matter their vaccination status. However, with states like Iowa and Texas that banned schools from requiring masks, this is unlikely.

This poses a difficult situation for students, parents, teachers, and the government on what should be done to keep the school body as safe as possible.

For now, schools nationwide are planning an in-person learning experience, where students are back in classrooms and logged off of Zoom. The CDC and education boards of individual states are taking all measures to prevent any spread of the variant in the schools and allow children to learn in person once again safely.

However, if cases continue to increase, schools could return to virtual sessions and hybrid formats. Therefore, it is detrimental and highly recommended by healthcare

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professionals to get vaccinated, stay informed, and be safe.

Founder and Co-Exec. Director

Rebecca Joseph

Walnut Creek, CA | 15 years old My name is Rebecca Joseph and I am a highschool sophomore from the Bay Area. I got interested in politics during my first year of high school where I joined the Speech and Debate team. From there I fell in love with the world of politics, but soon became aware of the lack of representation women were getting in the field. I wanted to be part of a community of teens who want to support each other and the younger generation to pursue a career in politics; however, I was unable to find anything, so I started Women In Politics. Now, four months later I have been blessed with an amazing team and I cannot wait for all we are going to accomplish.

Please enjoy this issue!

Co-Exec. Director Katherine Bronov

Philadelphia, PA | 17 years old My name is Katherine Bronov and I am an online high school senior from the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA. I have been passionate about politics since the start of high school and I have searched for organizations and clubs that interest me but found nothing until Women In Politics (WIP) caught my eye. WIP is a very special organization and fascinatingly the first of its kind. I am so grateful to be a part of this team and work alongside girls that are just as enthusiastic about politics as I am and recognize the shortage of women in this important field. Please enjoy this issue!

Christine Corry

Sacramento, CA | 17 years old

SRETIRW

Magazine Manager

Ella Stillion Southard Athens, GA | 16 years old

Annalese Cahill | Isabella Rinaldi | Hanna Matsukawa | Maddy Licea | Mary Corey | Veronica Rohlfing | Sara Keegan

Editor Leader

Cedar Roach

SROTIDE

Writing Leader

Maci DemMott | Oliva Massey | Ella Grady | Kaylyn Allingham | Lior Cooper | Lila Rowland | Sanjana Patel | Shannon Courtney

Magazine Design Leader

Sara Keegan

New York, NY | 17 years old

Rachel Baumann | Jessica Salazar | Katherine B

SRENGISED

Dallas, TX | 18 years old

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