Month: September 2020

Uniform Technology- Federal Agents Use Military Uniforms To Suppress Protestors

Department of Defense officials, military personnel, and members of the Armed Services Committee in Congress have called for federal agents to discontinue the use of military-style uniforms during attempts to respond to protests in Portland and across the nation against police brutality sparked by the murder of George Floyd.… Read More Uniform Technology- Federal Agents Use Military Uniforms To Suppress Protestors

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Using the Black Lives Matter Movement as a Basis for Data Surveillance

The abuse of data surveillance is not a new concept in our technological era and remains a major concern during the current Black Lives Matter movement.  Government officials use popular social and political movements, such as Black Lives Matter, as a motive to track personal data.  These officials are using such events as a reason to “protect” citizens from any violent uprisings that may stem from the protests. … Read More Using the Black Lives Matter Movement as a Basis for Data Surveillance

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From the Sidelines to the Frontlines: 5 Ways to Engage in Effective Legal and Social Activism Online

Chances are that if you are active on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, you have seen friends, family members, and classmates share articles and posts supporting social movements such as Black Lives Matter and Defund the Police.  While it creates a virtual picket-line of solidarity, substantive change comes from physical activism.  Sharing a colorful picture or a black screen, without any other action, is merely performative. However, there are many things that you, right now, can do online to support community and legal activists in their fight against systemic injustice.  … Read More From the Sidelines to the Frontlines: 5 Ways to Engage in Effective Legal and Social Activism Online

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More Than Just A Hashtag: The Influence of Social Media on the Societal Change of the Black Lives Matter Movement

This blog focuses on how social media has been an essential tool in combatting racial injustice and exposing the systemic racism present in the criminal justice system. Focusing on the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2013 and its continuance through 2020 this blog highlights how the use of social media is integral in catalyzing awareness of police brutality, even playing a significant role in securing criminal charges for the police responsible for George Floyd’s murder. Additionally, the blog discusses how social media was used as a vehicle to inform people of protests and petitions that were used to fund the legal representation and bail for many of the protesters who were arrested, as well as opening investigations relating to the murders of other African Americans who were the subjects of police brutality. … Read More More Than Just A Hashtag: The Influence of Social Media on the Societal Change of the Black Lives Matter Movement

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Facial Recognition: The Technological Innovation Turned Racial Profiling Weapon

As a byproduct of human innovation, facial recognition technology is subject to human error. One human flaw which transcends the efficacy of facial recognition technology is implicit racial bias. This flaw disproportionally harms people of color because over time facial recognition technology has transformed from a technological innovation to a racial profiling weapon for law enforcement agencies.… Read More Facial Recognition: The Technological Innovation Turned Racial Profiling Weapon

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The Digital Divide: Magnified by the Coronavirus Pandemic

This blog discusses the digital divide and the disparities that exist in technology access. Poorer communities and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by a lack of access to computers and Internet, which will impact online learning. The United States must do more to invest in education in more vulnerable communities and ensure that students have the resources that they need to perform in an online environment.… Read More The Digital Divide: Magnified by the Coronavirus Pandemic

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