12-19-11

Policy news from the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues

News from the SPSSI Policy Blog

Wanted: morning after pill for science policy after fling with politics.

Policy Events in Washington

Event report: helping scientists speak directly to the press.

Congressional Hearing: Is Secure Communities Keeping Our Communities Secure?

On the Hill: A look at News from the US Congress

Introduced December 6: H.R. 3568: To improve Indian education, and for other purposes. More on H.R. 3568.

Introduced December 6: H.R. 3572: To permit the televising of Supreme Court proceedings. More on H.R. 3572.

Introduced December 6: H.R. 3564: To repeal the requirements under the United States Housing Act of 1937 for residents of public housing to engage in community service and to complete economic self-sufficiency programs. More on H.R. 3564.

Introduced December 7: S. 1961: A bill to provide level funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. More on S. 1961.

Introduced on December 8: S. 1973: A bill to prevent gun trafficking in the United States. More on S. 1973.

Introduced December 12: H.Res. 490: Expressing no confidence in the Attorney General of the United States. More on H.Res. 490.

Passed House December 13: H.Res. 306: Urging the Republic of Turkey to safeguard its Christian heritage and to return confiscated church properties. More on H.Res. 306.

Introduced on December 13: H.R. 3650: To prohibit institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations that fail to report incidents of sexual abuse of a minor from receiving Federal funds, and for other purposes. More on H.R. 3650.

Introduced on December 13: S. 1984: A bill to establish a commission to develop a national strategy and recommendations for reducing fatalities resulting from child abuse and neglect. More on S. 1984.

Introduced on December 13: S. 1986: A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote innovation, investment, and research in the United States, and for other purposes. More on S. 1986.

Introduced on December 13: S. 1983: A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants, and for other purposes. More on S. 1983. More on S. 1983.

Introduced December 14: S. 1994: A bill to prohibit deceptive practices in Federal elections. More on S. 1994.

Passed December 14: H.R. 515: Belarus Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2011. More on H.R. 515.

Introduced December 14: H.R. 3658: To strengthen implementation of the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005, and for other purposes. More on H.R. 3658.

December 14: Senate Foreign Relations, European Affairs Subcommittee, hearing to examine the state of human rights and rule of law in Russia, focusing on United States policy options. Webcast available here.

Passed the House December 15: H.R. 3659: Welfare Integrity and Data Improvement Act. More on H.R. 3659.

December 15: Senate Foreign Relations, African Affairs Subcommittee, hearing to examine improving governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Webcast here.

Psychology and Social Issues in the News

DHS Shuts Down 287(g) Agreement with Maricopa County Following DOJ Investigation, Restricts Secure Communities
The Immigration Policy Center reports on the DOJ ruling in Arizona after evidence of widespread racial profiling is revealed.

A brain's failure to appreciate others may permit human atrocities
E-Science News reports on a study by SPSSI Fellow Susan Fiske on the mind's ability to dehumanize others.

Feds Seek Ban on Cellphone Use for Drivers
Miller-McCune says that the U.S. Government is pushing to change the leniency of some states on using a cellphone while driving. Research by SPSSI Member Paul Rosenblatt on how cellphone communication can be distracting is presented.

Honors for a lifetime of scholarship and service
The University of Delaware honors one of its own; Professor James Jones, a former SPSSI President, received a highly distinguished award from the APA in the Summer.

Stuck in a rut: Is boredom the silent relationship killer?
Bolg Psych Your Mind looks at research showing how relationship boredom is linked to marriage success with research from Member Arthur Aron discussed in some depth.

Employment: mental health issues rising in workplace, says OECD
A new report from the OECD discusses why between 30 and 50 per cent of employment disabilities claims today are based on mental health difficulties.

Controversial Turkish Internet Censorship Program Targets Evolution Sites
Science News reports on a move by the Turkish government that seems to have the effect of gagging areas of scientific enquiry.

The complexity of self-esteem
Blog Careers in Theory looks at the research of Member Chi Yue Chiu et al on how trying to maintain self-esteem can sometimes negatively impact actual performance.

Negative Descriptions Can Make You Look Better
Blog Peer-reviewd by My Neurons looks at new research by Member Kerry Kawakami on how using a mix of positive and negative descriptions in groups can help to reduce prejudice.

New Evidence that Corruption Threatens the Right to Health Care
The ICHRP Human Rights Policy Blog discusses new figures showing that corruption accounts for about 1.6% of all deaths deaths globally.

Further Resources

Find out what other organizations are doing on these issues

Academic Freedom and human rights
>> AAAS
>> Amnesty International
>> Union of Concerned Scientists
>> The Human Rights Council

Immigration Issues
>> Immigration Policy Institute
>> Immigration Policy Center
>> Center for American Progress

American Indian Issues
>> National Congress of American Indians
>> Association on American Indian Affairs

SPSSI fact sheets and policy statements
>> Immigration and Minorities
>> Statement on the Psychological Consequences of Unemployment
>>Other Issues