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Capstones Fall 2025

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Capstones in the topic

The Criminalization of Migrants in the United States

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December 12, 2025

This policy brief examines the growing criminalization of migrants in the United States and its impact on civil rights, due process, and community trust. It highlights how immigration enforcement increasingly treats civil violations as criminal offenses and proposes several reforms to ensure humane and effective immigration policy.

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Strengthening Cycling Laws for Safer Roads

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December 12, 2025

Cycling is a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation, yet cyclists face disproportionate danger on U.S. roads. In 2022, over 1,000 cyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes—tragedies that are largely preventable with stronger legal protections. Outdated, weakly enforced cycling laws, such as three-foot passing requirements, fail to adequately protect riders, underscoring the urgent need for a legal framework that prioritizes cyclist safety for the benefit of all road users.

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The Middle East Lobby: How International Cash Affects American Policy

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December 12, 2025

This brief examines the notable influence of Middle East lobbying on American policy and its resulting effects on trust in government domestically and international stability. It traces the evolution of foreign lobbying since World War II and highlights how financial contributions and relationships have bypassed existing legislation, the Lobbying Disclosure Act and Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) in particular. The paper emphasizes the need for nonpartisan reform and change to limit biased decision-making. Proposed solutions include institutional FARA reform, stronger enforcement through the Department of Justice, and the closure of the “revolving door” between Congress and lobbying firms. Ultimately, the brief advocates for greater transparency and accountability to ensure more objective policymaking and to promote peace, economic growth, and civic trust both in the Middle East and within the United States.

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A Counter-Proxy Framework for the Middle East

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December 12, 2025

Iran has long been a thorn in the American side, counteracting U.S. influence and allies throughout the Middle East. In the last fifty years, such belligerence has notably increased, perpetuated through various proxies across Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. This brief will cover how Iran is attempting to uproot America’s geopolitical foundation in the Middle East and how this outcome can be prevented through targeted policy solutions.

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The Color of Unemployment: How Policy and Prejudice Push Black Women Out of the Workforce

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December 12, 2025

This policy brief examines the escalating unemployment crisis among Black women, arguing that recent federal policies and a political climate hostile to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) initiatives worsen systemic discrimination. The analysis shows how misapplied government efficiency measures and enduring misogynoir create an inequitable environment where Black women are disproportionately laid off and face barriers to job security.

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Coastal Erosion within Louisiana

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December 12, 2025

This policy brief addresses the presence of coastal erosion, a history of coastal erosion, industries affected by coastal erosion, tried policy, and options for future policy. By addressing coastal erosion and proposing resilience plans, opportunities can be presented within Louisiana legislation to address its land loss.

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Balancing Power and Principle: An analysis of U.S. involvement in the Israel-Palestine Conflict and Potential Reform Pathways

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December 12, 2025

For decades, the U.S. has functioned as Israel’s most reliable patron, especially in the Israel-Palestine conflict, extending both diplomatic loyalty and billions in military aid. However, recent shifts in the 2023 response to the war have reignited extensive scrutiny on whether U.S. intervention is compatible with international legal frameworks and humanitarian principles. Taking into consideration the U.S.’s strategic justifications for their steadfast alliance, this brief examines whether the U.S. achieves equilibrium in strategic interests and moral considerations or completely sacrifices its ethos in international law.

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Drug Abuse in Los Angeles

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December 12, 2025

This brief examines the factors and major issues regarding drug abuse in Los Angeles, CA.

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The $14.7 Billion Question: Who’s Responsible for New Jersey's Power Crisis?

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December 12, 2025

Energy lies at the core of every functioning society, yet today’s world faces mounting challenges as demand accelerates due to technological advancements while supply lags. Ratepayers experience rising costs largely due to the rising demand for AI data centers. Through policy harnessing the price stabilization effect of clean energy and more robust consumer protection plans, the mismatch can be amended.

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Structural Solutions for an Equitable Coffee Value Chain

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December 12, 2025

This brief analyzes power imbalances in the global coffee trade that leave smallholder farmers in poverty while multinational corporations and certifying bodies capture most of the value. It argues that market-driven practices and weak regulation undermine the effectiveness of certifications and price supports. The brief proposes decentralizing certification, enforcing living-income due diligence, and strengthening transparency and stakeholder governance to promote equity and sustainability in the coffee sector.

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Stop Stalking and Domestic Violence

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December 12, 2025

This brief addresses the horrible issue of stalking and intimate partner violence in the United States. It will discuss its relevance and a way to hopefully prevent these crimes from occurring.

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Strengthening Mental Health Resources in School Systems

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December 12, 2025

The rise in mental health issues among students has become an alarming number. This policy brief will examine the increasing lack of adequate resources our school systems are equipped with. It offers a planned solution on how schools can allocate funds to better their services towards student and faculty. This initiative aims to help everyone despite economic gaps and districts.

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The Fiction Of Flexibility: How The Gig Economy Is Exploiting Workers

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December 12, 2025

Up to 36% of American workers have participated in gig or independent work, a figure that continues to rise. Many platforms like Uber and DoorDash use claims of “flexibility” to classify workers as independent contractors, denying them minimum wage protections, benefits, and organizing rights, while often engaging in legal violations such as price fixing. This brief examines the unsustainable nature of the gig economy and explores legislative and legal reforms to promote fair opportunity for all Americans.

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