Kimberly Atkins Stohr interviews James Hodge, a professor at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law, on the significance of vaccination policies in addressing recent public health issues. They delve into the history of vaccine policies, the rise of vaccine hesitancy due to misinformation, and legal frameworks for mandates and personal liberties. The discussion highlights the importance of community advocacy and media literacy in combating misinformation and promoting public health.

Kimberly Atkins Stohr speaks with Ary Amerikaner, co-founder and executive director of Brown's Promise, about the ongoing issues of school segregation and the impact of historical court cases like Brown v. Board of Education and Milliken v. Bradley. They discuss the current state of education in America, the importance of community engagement, and the need for creative solutions to promote school integration and equity in education funding.

Brown’s Promise: https://www.brownspromise.org/

The Containment: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374250423/thecontainment/

Kimberly Atkins Stohr meets with Ben Raderstorf from Protect Democracy to discuss the current threats to democracy in the United States. They explore the overwhelming feelings many citizens experience in the face of authoritarianism, the importance of long-term thinking, and actionable steps individuals can take to protect democratic values. The conversation also highlights the critical role of journalism in informing the public and the need for diverse information sources during this tumultuous time.

Kimberly Atkins Stohr speaks with Scott Ernest, a former white nationalist who now advocates for de-radicalization and prevention of extremism. They discuss the rise of hate groups, the importance of empathy and support for those leaving extremist ideologies, and the need for community involvement in preventing recruitment into such movements. Scott shares his personal journey from extremism to advocacy, emphasizing the significance of understanding and patience when dealing with loved ones who may be veering towards radical beliefs.

Kimberly and Jasmine Beach-Ferrara discuss the pressing issues facing LGBTQ+ individuals in the South, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by trans youth. They explore the mission of the Campaign for Southern Equality, the intersectionality of race, poverty, and LGBTQ+ rights, and the importance of community support and advocacy. The conversation emphasizes the need for love, understanding, and action in the face of hostile legislation and societal challenges, while also highlighting the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing fight for equality.

The battle to protect LGBTQ rights is winnable — but will take a fightbostonglobe.com

Kimberly Atkins Stohr and Jen Shugerman discuss the complexities surrounding birthright citizenship as established by the 14th Amendment. They explore the historical context of the amendment, the implications of presidential power over immigration, and the potential for the Supreme Court to overturn established precedents. The conversation emphasizes the importance of birthright citizenship as a foundational principle of American identity and the need for civic engagement to protect it.

Kim is joined this week by Erin Hysom, a Senior Child Nutrition Policy Analyst at the Food Research and Action Center, discusses the critical issue of childhood hunger and the importance of school meals. She highlights the impact of food insecurity on children's health and academic performance, the benefits of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) in providing free meals to all students, and the challenges faced by school nutrition programs. Erin emphasizes the need for increased funding and advocacy to ensure that all children have access to nutritious meals, which is essential for their well-being and success in school.

https://frac.org/

Kimberly Atkins Stohr engages with listener questions, covering a wide range of topics from Senate confirmation processes to housing discrimination, environmental justice, and the role of journalism in combating disinformation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements, individual actions for resistance, and the need for systemic change while also reflecting on personal anecdotes and insights. The episode concludes with a call for listener engagement in shaping future discussions.

The US Has Deported Immigrants En Masse Before. Here’s What Happened.

In this episode of Justice by Design, Kimberly Atkins Stohr engages with journalist and author Rita Omokha to discuss the themes of resistance and activism, particularly focusing on the contributions of young Black activists throughout American history. Rita shares her personal journey of understanding race relations and the importance of activism, inspired by the events surrounding George Floyd's death. The conversation emphasizes the cyclical nature of progress and regress in the fight for justice and the vital role of young people in continuing this struggle.

Kim is joined this week by Anjana Samant to discuss the complexities and injustices within the child welfare system, particularly focusing on the disparities faced by marginalized communities. 

They explore the historical context of child welfare laws, the impact of disabilities and language barriers on parental rights, and the need for significant legal reforms to protect families. 

The discussion emphasizes the importance of advocacy and awareness in addressing systemic inequities and the necessity for a shift in how child welfare is perceived and implemented.