Policy Symposium
On October 24, the ACPL hosted a Policy Symposium, where four distinguished SEU students gave presentations on four topics that were likely to have the biggest impact on the 2024 Presidential election. Each presentation was centered around a topic of their choice, and they gave an analysis and summary of the policy proposals provided by presidential candidates. The students then segued into providing a policy proposal of their own and explained the implications and net benefits. The students did not endorse a political candidate or party. Rather, the purpose of this event was to provide the audience with a deeper understanding of policy impacts; this was not to argue or debate the morality or ethics of each topic.
The first presenter, Breanna Voigt, a Political Science and Legal Studies major at SEU, focused on the policy implications of abortion and IVF. She discussed the results of the overturn of Roe v. Wade and provided an unbiased account of the responses from both presidential candidates.
The second presenter, Jeremiah Moniz, a Criminal Justice/Legal Studies major with a minor in political science, focused on the United States’ approach to the Israel/Hamas war.
Presenting third was Caleb Hale, a Political Science and Criminal Justice major at SEU. He focused on food regulation in the United States and explained how the United States takes a less restrictive approach to food in our country. This has ultimately led to a lack of access to healthy foods, particularly for those of a lower socioeconomic status. He compared food policies to European policies, where other countries do not allow for things like artificial food dyes.
The fourth presenter, Felicity Gonzales, is a Psychology and Legal Studies major at SEU. Felicity presented on healthcare in the United States. She described how both parties acknowledged that access to healthcare is a problem, but they differentiated in how to approach the topic. She explained comments made by both candidates and ended her presentation with encouragement to the audience to truly explore what has led to issues concerning our healthcare system.
After the presentations, the students answered questions from the audience. Our SEU faculty were highly impressed with how much research the students took to complete their presentations, and each demonstrated incredible public speaking and critical thinking skills.
