UAI staff shows solidarity with victims of relationship violence

The students and some of the staff at the Urban Action Institute actively participated in the Red Flag event as a demonstration of solidarity with victims of relationship abuse and as a means to raise awareness about this critical issue. This initiative underscores the university's commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students and community members. The Red Flag event is a symbol of the collective determination to confront relationship abuse, encouraging open conversations and an informed understanding of the signs and consequences of such abuse. Through a series of impactful activities and discussions, the Institute aims to engage not only the campus community but also the broader Worcester community, forging vital connections between academia and real-world issues.

By joining the Red Flag event, the Urban Action Institute at Worcester State aimed to continue promote a culture of respect, empathy, and support while offering resources and guidance to those affected by relationship abuse. As an institution dedicated to fostering positive social change, the participation in the Red Flag event exemplifies the Urban Action Institute’s enduring commitment to championing the cause of healthy relationships and creating a safe haven for all.

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New Article by Urban Studies Faculty Member, Professor Shiko Gathuo

Not in This Together: COVID-19 and People of Color by Shiko Gathuo, Ph.D. Shiko Gathuo, Ph.D. Professor and Graduate Program Director of Urban Studies Presidents, prime ministers, royalty, celebrities. These and other rich, powerful and famous people have contracted COVID-19. When the pandemic first took hold, it was easy to throw around phrases like “we are in this together,” “the pandemic does not discriminate,” and “united in the fight.” These warm and comforting sentiments quickly became hollow as it became apparent that, in fact, the pandemic does discriminate and it has negatively affected the poor and people of color disproportionately and in many different ways. People of color are experiencing the health aspect of COVID-19 including infection, testing and treatment differently. The virus has also exacerbated other already existing conditions such as economic deprivation, food insecurity, and the education achievement gap. COVID-19 has also had a significant negative effe...

Students Present Research at a National Conference in Washington DC

front, l-r: Elizabeth Stone, Abigail Holden back, l-r: Dr. Conroy, Kael Briesacher, Dr. Briesacher WSU students Elizabeth Stone '24 (Urban Studies/Environmental Science) and Abigail Holden '24 (Sociology) presented their recent research at the Eastern Sociological Society national conference in Washington DC. Their qualitative project is a deeper look beyond an earlier quantitative report on Advanced Placement Exam participation and performance at Worcester Public Schools that showed since AY 2007, and amid a 300% increase in AP test taking, WPS students fail more than half of their AP Exams. On average over that period, 62.2% of students outright failed their exams (scored a 1-2) with some years reaching 68%. Furthermore, another 20.6% of test takers earned scores of 3, which are also not worth college credit at a growing list of the nation's higher education institutions. Supported in part by a Summer Undergraduate Research Grant from the WSU Foundation, Liz, Abby, and ...

Fieldwork for "Worcester: A City & Its People"

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