Human Rights at Home and Abroad: Past, Present, and Future

182 Pages·2011·2.15 MB·English

Proceedings of

11th Annual Frederick Douglass Institute

Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Conference

In collaboration with the Institute for Human Rights and Social Justice

Human Rights at Home and Abroad:
Past, Present, and Future

Edited by Betina Entzminger

Bloomsburg University
Kehr Union

April 14-15, 2011
Table of Contents
Introduction 2
Conference Program 3
"Welfare in America," Janice Artman, Melissa Moschella, Laura Renninger and Marissa Warner, Bloomsburg
University 7
"Employee Rights and Nike," Ryan Brong, Maxim Golant, Demetrius Heckstall, and Nicholas Hunt, Bloomsburg
University 17
"Music's Role in Social Activism during the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War," Stephanie Bullen,
Bloomsburg University 26
"Child Labor: A Hidden World," Sara Connor, Bloomsburg University 34
"A Nation of Immigrants . . . Well Not Recent Immigrants," Jasmine Cooper, Bloomsburg University 46
"African Americans in the Workplace," Seth Eck, Brielle Felo, and Lauren McLain, Bloomsburg University 54
"Gay Rights: Discrimination and Acceptance," Morgann Goodling, Bloomsburg University 63
"Immigration in the Workplace," Danita Inwek and Cortney Snyder, Bloomsburg University 76
"Conservation," Moira Jefferson, Kutztown University 80
"Distortion and Exploitation: The Realities of the Human Terrain System," Kristin Kelly, Bloomsburg University
88
"A Different Kind of Hate: Internalized Homophobia and the Effects on Mental Health and Relationships," Jessica
Lohmann, Mansfield University 94
"Sexual Abuse in Prison: Will it EVER be Considered a True Problem?,” Terrell McClure, Bloomsburg University
108
"Psychology Experiments: When Should They Stop?,” Danielle Miller, Bloomsburg University 119
"The Passing Problem: Framing Passing as the Prevention of Trans Community Mobilization,” Taylor Roberts,
Bloomsburg University 129
"Human Experimentation: Guinea Pigs or Volunteers for a Cure,” Ashley Robertson, Bloomsburg University
144
"Keep Minority Education Hope Alive,” Brandi Spencer-Phoenix, Bloomsburg University 157
"Beautyism in the Worplace: Disguised Discrimination,” Kevin Troutman, Nagy Ahmed, and Ben Richardson,
Bloomsburg University 166
"Human Rights Challenges in Algeria: A Historical Perspective,” Brian White, Kutztown University 172

1
Introduction
The 11th Annual Frederick Douglass Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Conference took place on
April 14 and 15, 2011 at Bloomsburg University. Our theme for this year‘s conference was ―Human
Rights at Home and Abroad: Past, Present, and Future,‖ and the Frederick Douglass Institute was
fortunate to collaborate with the Institute for Human Rights and Social Justice, a student group at
Bloomsburg University advised by Dr. Babak Mohassel. Our keynote speaker, Travis Johnson, Family
Law Staff Attorney for The Door in New York City, gave a talk entitled ―All Children Are Created Equal,
Too: The Disparate Treatment of Youth Rights in the United States‖ to an audience of about 250
students, faculty, and staff. Johnson argued that U.S. born young people who are sexually exploited are
rarely viewed as victims by the courts, unlike their immigrant peers. Johnson argues that minors, who
cannot legally consent to sex with an adult, should not be charged with prostitution and related criminal
charges.
In addition, the conference featured approximately 50 student presentations from Bloomsburg
University, Mansfield University, Kutztown University, and West Chester University. Many other
students and faculty attended these presentations. These proceedings contain a selection of those
conference presentations.

A student Presentation Students sign in at Conference Registration table

Notice: Student writers retain the copyright to their original work. The writing herein may not be used without the
consent of the individual authors.
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Conference Organizers: Betina Entzminger, Associate Professor of English; Brian Johnson, Director of
Bloomsburg University‘s Frederick Douglass Institute; and Babak Mohassel, Assistant Professor of
Criminal Justice. Special thanks to Ashley Coleman, support staff.

11th Annual Frederick Douglass Institute
Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Conference
In collaboration with the Institute for Human Rights and Social Justice

PLEASE SEE THE STUDENT POSTER PROJECTS ON DISPLAY IN BALLROOM LOBBY
ON THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF SEX AND SEXUALITY AND ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Thursday, April 14

Session 1: 9:30-10:45

Panel A Childhood and Maternity in Cultures Around the World Room 409
Panel Chair: Dr. Conrad Quintyn, Bloomsburg University
―The Alaskan Inuit: How Children Are Raised‖ by Jonathan Palumbo, Bloomsburg University
―Street Youth Culture in Portland Oregon‖ by Kevin Ward, Bloomsburg University
―North Korean Childhood‖ by Nick Telepak, Bloomsburg University
―Lack of Contraception and Maternal Death: Why Are So Many Lives at Risk‖ by Breanna Bzura,
Bloomsburg University

Panel B Medicine and Human Rights Room 410
Panel Chair: Brian Johnson, Bloomsburg University
―Medicine and Human Rights: The Impact on Enforcing the Unknown Rights of Us All‖ by Ashley
Robertson, Bloomsburg University
―Psychology Experiments: When Should They Stop?‖ by Danielle Miller, Bloomsburg University
―Medical Cannabis‖ by Kyle Slyman
―Welfare in America‖ by Melissa Moschella, Janice Artman, Laura Renninger, and Marissa Warner,
Bloomsburg University

Panel C Effects of Immigration and Discrimination on the Workplace Multicultural
Center
(Lower Level)
Panel Chair: Dr. Ted Roggenbuck, Bloomsburg University
―Illegal Immigration and American Jobs‖ by Ricky Lochen, Ryan Dogherty, and Kyle Kelly, Bloomsburg
University
―Immigration and Diversity in the Workplace‖ by Cortney Snyder and Danita Inwek, Bloomsburg
University
―African Americans in the Workplace‖ by Seth Eck, Brielle Felo, and Lauren McLain, Bloomsburg
University
―Corporate Social Responsibility Strategies‖ by Bree Washburn, Tommy Muir, Sean Duffy, and John
Katona, Bloomsburg University

Session 2: 11:00-12:15

“LGBT Ally Advocacy” Multicultural Center
By Elena Brobyn-Novarro and Virginia Larson, Graduate Students in the LGBTA Resource Center
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Conference Presenters: Send a clean copy of your presentation or paper to

[email protected] by May 15, 2011 for inclusion in our electronic conference

proceedings. Proceedings will be emailed to you this summer.

Session 3: 12:30-1:45

Panel A Human Rights Affecting Children Room 409
Panel Chair: Dr. Tina Entzminger, Bloomsburg University
―Child Labor: A Hidden World‖ by Sara Connor, Bloomsburg University
―Child Labor in Pakistan‖ by Chuck Gilmore, Greg Maisch, Kevin Sofia, and Elyse Madonna,
Bloomsburg University
―Keep Minority Education Hope Alive‖ by Brandi Spencer-Phoenix, Bloomsburg University

Panel B Business Practices and American Economy Room 409
Panel Chair: Dr. Maggie O‘Connor, Bloomsburg University
―Outsourcing Information Technology‖ by Eric Loxton, James Gittens, and Alex Barra, Bloomsburg
University
―Wal-Mart and the Law‖ by Nicholas DeLuca, Jarrod Kramer, Robert Skotch, and Carson Tom,
Bloomsburg University
―Transnational Corporations and Human Rights‖ by Eric Frantz, Michael Rosendale, Justin Pierce, and
Jason Gurzau, Bloomsburg University

Session 4: 2:00-3:15

Panel A Music and other Media and Society Room 409
Panel Chair: Taheera Entsuah, Kutztown University
―Music‘s Role in Social Activism During the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War‖ by Stephanie
Bullen, Bloomsburg University
―How Media Shapes Perceptions of Immigrants and Minorities‖ by Jazmine Cooper, Bloomsburg
University
―Music Censorship and Public Welfare‖ by Holly L. Freese, Bloomsburg University

Panel B Law Enforcement and Behavior Room 410
Panel Chair: Dr. Tina Entzminger, Bloomsburg University
―Sexual Abuse in Prison: Will it EVER Be Considered a True Problem‖ by Terrell McClure,
Bloomsburg University
―Trust the People in Blue?‖ by Kareem Norton, Bloomsburg University
―Class Frustration in Southeastern Pennsylvania: the 2008-09 Arson in Coatesville, PA‖ by Juliette
Honsinger, West Chester University
―Procrastination: What It Is, What It Does, and How to Beat It‖ by Jake MacLean Bloomsburg
University

Panel C Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation, Gender and Disability Multicultural
Center
(Lower Level)
Panel Chair: Dr. Cristina Mathews, Bloomsburg University
―Deaf and Blind Employees in the Corporate World‖ by Lee Watts, Angela Shirk, Alvin Jennings, and
Hao Yang, Bloomsburg University
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―The Glass Ceiling‖ by Tiffany S. Dietterich, Courtney Nyce, Samantha Lott, and Jeffrey Williams,
Bloomsburg University
―Gay Rights: Discrimination and Acceptance‖ by Morgann Goodling, Bloomsburg University

Session 5: 3:30-4:45

Panel A Sexual Orientation and Human Rights Room 409
Panel Chair: Dr. Lynn Pifer, Mansfield University
―A Different Kind of Hate: Internalized Homophobia and the Effects on Mental Health and
Relationships‖ by Jessica Lohman, Mansfield University
―The Passing Problem: Framing Passing as the Prevention of Trans Community Mobilization‖ by Taylor
Roberts, Bloomsburg University
―Sexual Orientation and the Workplace‖ by Melissa Piccinich, Nina Dacey, and Rob Donahue,
Bloomsburg University

Panel B Human Rights Challenges Room 410
Panel Chair: Dr. Maria Sanelli, Kutztown University
―Distortion and Exploitation: The Realities of the Human Terrain System Project‖ by Kristin Kelly,
Bloomsburg University
―Human Rights Challenges in Algeria: A Historical Perspective‖ by Brian White, Kutztown University
―Tracing the American Debate between Human Rights and Conservationism‖ by Moira Jefferson,
Kutztown University
―Nike and Human Rights at Home and Abroad‖ by Maxim Golant, Ryan Brong, Nicholas A. Hunt, and
Demetrius A. Heckstall

Panel C Women’s Rights and Gay Rights Multicultural Center (Lower Level)
Panel Chair: Dr. Christina Francis, Bloomsburg University
―Women‘s Rights in the Military‖ by Amanda Galardi, Cass English, Ian Lewis, and Irene Fiske,
Bloomsburg University
―Gender Discrimination: A Hidden View of Sexual Harassment‖ by Briana Davis, Bloomsburg
University
―Sexual Orientation and the Law‖ by Jenna Evelair, Mike Pendrak, and Bethany Pisulak, Bloomsburg
University

Keynote Address
7:00 p.m., Kehr Union Ballroom

“All Children Are Created Equal, Too:
The Disparate Treatment of Youth Rights in the United States”

Travis Johnson, Family Law Staff Attorney with The Door in New York

U.S. born young people who are sexually exploited are rarely viewed as victims by the courts,
unlike their immigrant peers. Johnson argues that minors, who cannot legally consent to sex with
an adult, should not be charged with prostitution and related criminal charges.

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Friday, April 15

Session 6: 9:00-10:00

Film: Further Off the Straight and Narrow Hideaway (Lower Level)
In honor of the National LGBT Day of Silence, there will be no talking during the session.

Session 7: 10:05-10:55

Panel A Socialization of the Child—Around the World Room 409
Panel Chair: Dr. Sue Dauria, Bloomsburg University
―Amish Childhood and Adolescence‖ by Natalie Wagner, Bloomsburg University
―The Child in Romania‖ by Amanda Adler, Bloomsburg University
―Chinese Child Socialization‖ by Kayla Vollmer, Bloomsburg University

Panel B Gender Discrimination in the Workplace Room 410
Panel Chair: Dr. Louis Rodriguez, Kutztown University
―Gender Discrimination in Workplaces: Human Rights, Ethical Issues and Laws Against It‖ by Gregory
Allen-Jackson, Bloomsburg University
―Differences in Discrimination against Women in the Workplace between the United States and Other
Countries‖ by Jackie Broderick, Jaclyn Palumbo, and Donnie Meade, Bloomsburg University
―Beautyism in the Workplace‖ by Nagy Ahmed, Kevin Troutman, and Ben Richardson, Bloomsburg
University

Session 8: 11:00-12:50

Institute for Human Rights and Social Justice Panel Multicultural Center (Lower Level)
―The Role of Sexual Exploitation in Power Relations within Cults‖ by Shannon Bilder, Bloomsburg
University.
―The Case of Darfur: Human Rights Abuses and Displacement in Sudan‖ by Steve Crossland and
Brandon Brown, Bloomsburg University
―Gang Members or Politicians: Haitian Gang Crime Affects Human Rights‖ by Ashley Acri,
Bloomsburg University
―Human Rights Issues and Corruption in Sub-Saharan Africa‖ by Eric Bisong, Bloomsburg University
―Trouble in Somalia: Displacement and Human Rights Violations‖ by Dominick Mireles, Bloomsburg
University
―Navigating Credibility in the Context of Human Rights Adjudications‖ by Dr. Babak Mohassel,
Bloomsburg University

Session 9: 1:00-1:45

Film: Displaced Lives Multicultural Center (Lower Level)
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Janice Artman, Melissa Moschella,
Laura Renninger and Marissa Warner, Bloomsburg University

Welfare in America
Abstract
What will become of America if welfare continues to be misused by U.S. citizens? Will people
who in fact need help be able to receive welfare or will the misuse of other individuals ruin the primary
purpose of welfare?
This research paper discusses the primary purpose of welfare, the requirements to be qualified for
welfare, the misuses of welfare programs, and finally the present and future state of welfare programs in
America.
Primary Purpose of Welfare Programs
Welfare began in the 1930s during the Great Depression. Welfare is when a family or individual
receives financial help from the government because they have little or no income to support themselves.
Before welfare, some individuals were in numerous financial troubles and didn‘t have much to look upon
for support. The Great Depression began in the 1930s while President Herbert Hoover was in office.
President Hoover had a very optimistic attitude and thought the economy would sort itself out (50
Interesting Facts about the Great Depression). This ended up not being the case, the financial markets
crashed and people started naming things after President Hoover because he ended up being wrong about
the economy. People would call food that they got from the soup kitchen Hoover Stews. They would call
shanty towns Hoovervilles. People even had to use newspapers as blankets, which they called Hoover
Blankets. Jack rabbits that they would use as food would be called Hoover Hogs. Hoover Wagons were
named off of people using mulls to pull their cars because they couldn‘t afford to get gas or fix them.
During the Great Depression, the unemployment rate increased to 25% and the gross domestic profit
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dropped to 25% (50 Interesting Facts about the Great Depression). Many people were affected by this
financial crisis and things were very horrific.
Prior to the Great Depression, Congress supported various programs to assist the poor. One of
these programs was the Civil War Pension Program. This plan provided financial support to Civil War
Veterans and their families (The History of Welfare). However, not much was there to help financially
support individual families and their children.
In 1932, President Franklin D. Roosevelt came into office and he had a very optimistic attitude
about the financial crisis and was very hopeful to the future. He wanted to try and find ways to help the
people and economy. President Roosevelt established programs that were known as the New Deal to help
farmers and curve the unemployment rate in the United States (The History of Welfare). The Social
Security Act was amended in 1935 and this act had many programs along with it to help aid various
people of the population. Along with this act was a program called Aid to Dependent Children (AFDC).
The program guaranteed cash assistance to families that didn‘t have enough money to support their
children (The History of Welfare).
Federal legislation required the states to provide assistance to all eligible families. For these
programs, the federal government and the states shared the costs and rule making. By 1994, the financial
aid to families reached 14 million dollars (The History of Welfare). Americans found many ways to
misuse the welfare system. In 1996, Congress passed a reform signed by President Clinton (US Welfare
System - Help for US Citizens). The Federal Government now provides assistance through the Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). And the welfare system is back in control of the welfare system.
Welfare varies from state to state. Some types of welfare are health care, food stamps, child care
assistance, unemployment, cash aid and housing assistance. Now, not everyone is able to qualify for
welfare. You have to reach a certain requirement to be considered for welfare and this can help in the
process to stop people from misusing welfare.

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Requirements Considered to Qualify for Welfare
There are many different forms of welfare which include different requirements for each type.
We will focus on the requirements considered to qualify for cash assistance; which is the most common
type of welfare used today in the United States.
There are five forms of cash assistance available to families in the United States. The five
different types of cash assistance include the following: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF), Refugee Cash Assistance Program, General Assistance Program, Diversion Program, and State
Blind Pension Program. In order to provide the most accurate requirements to qualify for cash assistance,
we will focus on the most frequent type of cash assistance, TANF. We then will further focus on the
requirements that must be metin Pennsylvania.
TANF may be used for up to five years throughout a person‘s lifetime. It is considered to be for
temporary use and money is received on a monthly basis. TANF is most commonly used among the
following people: parents and their children who reside in their household, women who are pregnant, and
other relatives that care for children in their household.
There are many requirements that must be fulfilled in order to receive TANF. The first
requirement that must be met is the person must be a resident of Pennsylvania and must be a U.S. citizen.
Secondly the welfare recipient and household members receiving the cash assistance must be able to
provide their own social security numbers. Thirdly, in order to receive cash assistance, the recipient
receiving the welfare must either participate in a training program or must actively look for employment.
The fourth requirement includes full participation in preparing a plan with their assigned caseworker for
what must be done to no longer receive the assistance of welfare.
Another major requirement that must be met includes the participation in child support payments
and paternity tests. If child support payments are currently not being received by a dependent child‘s
parent, then payments must be determined to aide in helping the family. Also, if child support payments
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