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Expert available to discuss Facebook Oversight Board's decision on Trump's account
Reporters: Girish Mallapragada, a social media marketing expert at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, is available Wednesday (May 5) to discuss the Facebook Oversight Board's decision to uphold Facebook's ban on former President Donald Trump. In advance of the announcement, Mallapragada, an associate professor of marketing and Weimer Faculty Fellow, said he questioned whether the board’s decision will have much of an impact on Trump’s outreach to his followers. He noted that Trump’s rise in popularity primarly came through his use of another social media platform, Twitter, and not as much through Facebook. “He was more adept at short form communication than long contextual messages. Twitter is ideal for the former, Facebook for the latter,” Mallapragada said. “Twitter is closest online to a live large audience, where he thrives.” “If Facebook allows him to comeback, it might make people unhappy and others happy, but I don’t think it would be impactful to make a big difference.” George Vlahakis, associate director of communications and media relations at Kelley, can help arrange for interviews with Mallapragada, and can be reached at vlahakis@iu.edu.
New CBS Sitcom "United States of Al" Taps Experience of Social Work Student and Veteran
On April 1, 2021, CBS premiered United States of Al - a new comedy from producer Chuck Lorre (Two and a Half Men, Big Bang Theory) about a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life and the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America. The show explores the relationship between these two men and how they help each other adjust to their new lives. So, what does a CBS sitcom have to do with the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work? Enter Master of Social Work (MSW) student Josh Emerson, who landed in the right place at the right time through his field internship at No One Left Behind. No One Left Behind (NOLB) is an all-volunteer, national nonprofit organization that supports recipients of the Special Immigrant Visa (SIVs), and those pursuing an SIV. The founders of No One Left Behind believe the U.S. has a moral obligation to protect these interpreters, and their families, who served side-by-side with American soldiers. Emerson, a veteran of the U.S. Army who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, is very familiar with Iraqi and Afghan interpreters. “I went on missions with these interpreters, got to know them, built relationships with them,” he said. “I was so very happy to be able to work with them in this capacity. In addition to providing resources for SIV ambassadors living in the United States, NOLB advocates on behalf of the SIV population to the executive and legislative branches of government provides subject matter expertise to the media, and partners with U.S. businesses to provide opportunities for what they call “this next generation of Americans.” Alea Nadeem, MSW ’15, is a board member of NOLB and reached out to USC with a field internship opportunity for social workers to do macro-level clinical work in a nonprofit setting. Nadeem became Emerson’s field instructor. “What Josh has brought to No One Left Behind has never been brought to the board before,” Nadeem said. “They now see the value in social work.” Bringing the issue to a larger audience Chase Millsap, a consultant and writer on United States of Al, is a former board member of No One Left Behind. “I am still very supportive, impressed and proud of all the work the NOLB team does on a daily basis,” he said. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army Special Forces, he holds a master’s degree from USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. "USC helped me to learn the tools about how to connect entertainment and policy,” Millsap said. “United States of Al is a perfect example of those two worlds coming together in a powerful (and funny) way.” Millsap’s idea was to bring the issues around SIVs into America's living rooms, in a way that would make them relatable. Emerson’s experience as a veteran, his clinical and project management skills obtained through his social work studies and his stellar ability to work one-on-one with SIV recipients and applicants allowed him to inform the show’s stories with a wide breadth of knowledge. Emerson joined James Miervaldis, chairman of the NOLB board, in helping the writers and actors on the show understand the SIV issues, the ways in which NOLB provides assistance and advocacy, and sharing funny stories of cultural differences between Afghans and Americans. Emerson and Miervaldis have also been able to include some of NOLB’s SIV ambassadors in the process, those with an SIV who have already established themselves in the U.S. and are contracted by NOLB to help others assimilate. “They’re talking to the exact people they're portraying,” Emerson said. Nadeem sees Emerson’s contribution to the show as another platform through which to educate. “There are a lot of different tentacles to social work, and it may not seem like the most obvious place in TV and film, but it is,” she said. The show itself touches on everything social workers value ― service, challenging social injustice, dignity and worth of a person, the importance of human relationships and integrity. “This just makes so much sense that a social worker would be involved in this show because that's what we're always trying to communicate to a larger audience,” Nadeem said. “Through this show, you can make a greater impact for these folks to sort of assimilate them to be American citizens, and then also have the whole world appreciate their culture and appreciate what they've done for our nation to keep U.S. service members safe.” A valued member of the team Emerson, a father of five who resides in New Hampshire, knew he wanted to work with veterans after leaving military service. He felt that an MSW was the most versatile degree for this and chose the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work because of its military social work track. “I think to be a good social worker you need to have experience in life,” Emerson said. “To have seen some things, or been through some things, to understand the population you're dealing with and what they're going through.” When Emerson began his internship at NOLB in 2020, Miervaldis immediately began working with him to focus on SIVs who recently had come to the United States. The first case Miervaldis assigned to Emerson was an SIV family with two young children who needed emergency surgery at a specialty hospital in Washington D.C. “This SIV packed up his family, his pregnant wife and the two kids, used up all his money to take them by bus from Texas to D.C. in the middle of a pandemic and ended up in a bad part of town,” Miervaldis said. As the SIV’s assigned caseworker, Emerson established a relationship and trust with the SIV, helped him obtain safe housing and a job interview, and coordinated details for the children’s surgery with the hospital. “He’s gone and done everything,” Miervaldis said. “We are very proud of Josh’s initiative and empathy for a family in such need. No One Left Behind is the safety net for our allies.” Last year, NOLB helped over 600 families with visas and resettlement. “Josh has exceeded all our expectations and done so while communicating with clients who speak in broken English, Dari and Pashtu, struggling during a pandemic,” Miervaldis said. “His professionalism and empathy are great credits to USC. We would not be where we are today without him. That is not hyperbole.” Miervaldis hopes NOLB will have more social work interns from USC to continue Emerson’s work. For him, Emerson’s project management skills have been the greatest asset, creating a new process for how NOLB provides help for SIV families. “We told Josh, you're a pathfinder, you're a pioneer,” Miervaldis said. “We need to figure out very quickly what works, what doesn't work, and he took it and said, ‘okay, point me in the right direction.’ He’s very much valued as a member of the team.” From advocacy to TV No One Left Behind gets about 20 messages every day from Iraqi or Afghan interpreters who served with U.S. forces in their countries, and who now receive daily death threats from the Taliban. “They're not allowed to live in their homes or their neighborhoods anymore because they helped the U.S.,” Emerson said. “Now the U.S. is withdrawing from all these countries, and the Taliban and terrorist activities in general are picking up, and these people are getting pressured and killed. NOLB has over 300 cases of SIVs who have been killed waiting for their visas.” Emerson hopes that the added exposure from United States of Al will bring awareness particularly to service members about what these interpreters are experiencing and how they can help. One of the requirements for an SIV is a letter of recommendation from the U.S. service member with whom they served, and those have been the most difficult items for SIV applicants to secure. “I have been able to provide some input to what should be addressed in the show,” Emerson said. “It's interesting to see how advocacy on an issue can turn into something this large scale.” See more news from USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck here.
The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently lifted the pause on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The agencies had shelved the vaccine after it was linked to cases of an extremely rare blood clotting disorder. Public health officials are now concerned that as news gets out about the potential side effects of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, some members of the Black and Hispanic communities may opt out of what could be a life-saving act. “To the Black and Hispanic communities, there has been a long history of untrustworthy behavior by health care systems, and the current issue with Johnson & Johnson may have worsened some hesitancy,” said Dr. Justin X. Moore, an epidemiologist in the Department of Population Health Sciences at the Medical College of Georgia. “To overcome this barrier, companies must continue being open about side effects of the vaccine, and health care workers must be empathetic and listen to their patients’ concerns.” Vaccine safety and the importance of everyone being vaccinated is crucial as America looks to get to the light at the end of this pandemic. If you are a journalist covering COVID-19 and the issues surrounding vaccine hesitancy, then let our experts help. Dr. Justin Moore is an expert in spatial epidemiology and an associate professor at the Institute of Public and Preventive Health at Augusta University. He is available to speak with media regarding this topic – simply click on his name to arrange an interview.
MEDIA RELEASE: CAA supports provincial efforts to move Ontarians more safely
CAA South Central Ontario supports today’s provincial announcement of the Moving Ontarians More Safely & Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, 2021. The proposed legislation is an important step toward addressing the needs and challenges experienced by both motorists and the towing industry. “CAA is pleased that provincial legislation to govern the towing industry looks to address the most pressing issues related to safety and consumer confidence,” says Teresa Di Felice, AVP government and community relations, CAA SCO. “Provincial oversight should provide consistent levels of training for operators, create standards for this important service on Ontario roads and establish tough penalties for those who do not follow the rules.” One element highlighted in today’s announcement is the introduction of a tow truck licensing system. “CAA’s research on this demonstrates that motorists expect their tow operators to be provincially licensed and qualified to perform towing services safely,” adds Di Felice. The tougher enforcement measures for stunt driving are also welcome. Since the COVID-19 lockdown measures first began in March 2020, police have seen a significant surge in speeding and street racing—both of which can have serious consequences. “The dangerous driving behaviours that we have seen over the past year highlights the need for increased measures, education and enforcement. The proposed changes will help to continue making Ontario’s streets some of the safest in North America,” adds Di Felice. A study commission by CAA SCO in March highlighted that 74 per cent of drivers agree that stricter penalties and increased fines would discourage drivers from performing stunts or driving aggressively. CAA believes that safer streets for all Ontarians are possible. This new proposed legislation will not only bring clarity for consumers when requesting towing services, the tougher penalties for stunt driving will help to curb the impulse to speed or drive dangerously. The study was conducted between March 15th to 22nd, 2021, among a sample of 1,504 Ontario driver’s license (G, G2 or G1) holders, have access to a vehicle and are part of the Asking Canadians’ research panel. The study was conducted through online surveys. A probabilistic sample of a similar size would have a margin of error of plus or minus 3%, 19 times out of 20.
Combating Vaccine Hesitancy Through Messaging
As vaccine hesitancy becomes a threat to Americans' decision to get the COVID vaccine, persuasive messaging is at the forefront of changing people's minds. Allyson Levin, PhD, a visiting assistant professor of communication, believes social media messaging plays a key role—and that post-vaccination selfies can actually help convince people to get the vaccine. "When we don't know what to do, we look to others to guide our behavior," stated Dr. Levin. "It is really important when we see people who share online that they were vaccinated—who are close to us, our friends or family and people we look up to like influencers and celebrities." Further, online communities create a world where it appears that people are getting vaccinated actively. "If we look around and see an environment where people are getting vaccinated, we will want to get vaccinated as well. That will encourage vaccination. At least if we trust those people around us," said Dr. Levin. Dr. Levin also contends that the social media platform TikTok can be extremely useful when information is "scientifically valid, evidence-based and coming from people who understand science like medical professionals." "A unique opportunity we have with TikTok is that users are receiving health information when they aren't looking for it," said Dr. Levin. In addition, she notes the incredible impact company advertisements endorsing COVID vaccinations have had on their wider acceptance. "At the end of the day, it is wonderful that brands are amplifying these messages, like Budweiser donating their airtime during the Super Bowl. There is an element of public relations, too: The brands look good for promoting these messages. But the more people that see these messages, the better." However, Dr. Levin pointed out that, while messaging is extremely important, vaccine availability is crucial. "Access is equally important. Unless people can actually have access to the vaccinations, the message is just one part of it," stated Dr. Levin.
UConn Expert Dr. Wizdom Powell on the mental health impact of Chauvin trial
For weeks, Americans closely watched the trial of the police officer charged in the death of George Floyd last May, and as the jury's guilty verdict brings those proceedings to a close, the impact on communities across the country may be lasting. Dr. Wizdom Powell, director of UConn's Health Disparities Institute Director, joined CBS This Morning to discuss the impact of the Chauvin trial on mental health, particularly among members of the Black community. "The thing about racism, in general, is that it is a bio-social stressor. And incidents, like being in a courtroom and repeating the exposure to those eight minutes and forty-six seconds – and, now we know, nine minutes – of George Floyd’s demise can be triggering for everyone who is exposed to it. And so, there is a consequence of having that be replayed in an open court." **** "I think that we all have had our breaths collectively stolen by the incidents of racial violence that we’re all baring witness to virtually and directly, for those who were actually on scene during the tragic event. So, I would say that, what you can do now, if you’re really wanting to rise up and meet Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in this moment, is to act in true allyship. Listen with a third ear. Accept the reality and truths of what people are experiencing, without requiring them to explain away or to offer additional context for what they are feeling. Believe people when they tell you they’re hurting the first time. That kind of response – legitimating the wounds that we are experiencing in this moment – can go a long way in promoting racial healing, unity, and restorative justice." If you are a journalist looking to discuss this issue or cover this very important topic – then let us help. An associate professor of psychiatry at UConn Health, Dr. Powell is an expert on the role of racism and gender norms in African American male health and healthcare inequities. Dr. Powell is available to speak with media about this topic – simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
News of the newly proposed European Super League has left a storm of concern, criticism, threats and even political intervention in its wake. The announcement of a mid-week league consisting of a dozen of the top-tiered clubs from across Britain and Europe would rival the popular UEFA Champions League. No doubt, more football to watch is good for fans, and for club owners – but the backlash has been harsh from other stakeholders and teams left on the sidelines. The media coverage has been intense. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with the Football Association, Premier League officials and fans' representatives on Tuesday, after which the government said it will take "whatever action necessary", including legislative options, to ensure the proposals were stopped. Downing Street added: "No action is off the table." In other developments: Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin called on the English clubs to "come to your senses" Everton criticised the "preposterous arrogance" of the clubs involved Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said that the new league was needed to "save football" The proposed tournament would see teams play one another in midweek games in an attempt to have more matches between the big-name clubs. The other clubs involved are AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid. The plans have been heavily criticised by fans, pundits, football's governing bodies and members of the UK government. "It is our task to protect the European sport model. If some elect to go their own way, they must live with the consequences of their choices," said Infantino, the president of world football's governing body. "They are responsible for their choice completely. This means you are either in or you are out. You cannot be half in and half out." April 20 – BBC If you are a journalist covering this emerging story – then let us help with your questions by providing expert opinion, perspective, and analysis. Peter Dawson from the University of East Anglia is a Professor of Economics and an expert in sports economics. Peter is available to speak with media about this topic – simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
UMW’s foreign security expert Jason Davidson weighs in on America’s exit from Afghanistan
It is America’s longest war, and after 20 years on the ground, President Biden has announced it’s time to recall the troops and bring them home. As media looked to cover this breaking news, experts from the University of Mary Washington were there to answer the call and help with coverage that has been dominating headlines. “I think the Biden administration is trying to balance the president’s desire to get out and cut U.S. losses, but also the fact that the Taliban has not really complied with their side of the deal so far and they are unlikely to fully comply with a deal, period,” said Jason Davidson, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. President Donald Trump’s administration agreed more than a year ago to pull U.S. and NATO troops out of the country by the start of next month. The Taliban has warned of violence if that deadline is not met, but Biden administration officials are hopeful setting a firm withdrawal date a few months down the line will not result in reprisals. Trump’s plan spurred bipartisan objections in Washington when it was announced last year, with Republicans and Democrats denouncing a seemingly arbitrary deadline and predicting chaos if U.S. troops were withdrawn prematurely. Progress toward peace has been sporadic since then, with the Taliban continuing to engage in violence as negotiations stalled. April 13 - ABC News Exiting Afghanistan will be a process that will take time and garner lots of media coverage. And if you are a journalist covering this topic, then let our experts help. Dr. Jason Davidson is a professor of Political Science and International Affairs and is also an expert in American Foreign and Security Policy, and International Security. If you’re looking to arrange an interview with Dr. Davidson, simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
UMW's psychological trauma expert Laura Wilson weighs in on survivors of recent mass shootings
Media have been covering what has been a deadly year in America, with nearly a dozen mass shootings to date. UMW's psychological trauma expert Laura Wilson has been the go-to person to help journalists understand the impact these horrific events have on survivors. Recently, Dr. Wilson was interviewed about the recovery process American Olympic hopeful Maggie Montoya is facing after witnessing first-hand the shooting in Boulder, Colorado, as she prepares to represent America this summer in Tokyo. Laura C. Wilson, associate professor of psychology at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va., has focused on post-trauma functioning from mass trauma. She says most people's exposure and understanding of mass shootings consists of the immediate aftermath. "They see the news coverage of the crime scene and watch the investigators' news briefing," Wilson said. "Within a few days the news trucks leave and people's attention turns to the next major news event. This is when the grief and recovery work starts for the survivors." Wilson said every person will process the events differently. Some will have intense, acute reactions that subside in a few days or weeks. Effects could be chronic for others, and some experience delayed reactions. "Each person is different, and their recovery will look different," she said. Wilson didn't speak specifically about Montoya's running community but said community overall is a powerful strength for survivors in the aftermath of a mass shooting. "It creates a sense of belonging, which can promote psychological recovery," Wilson said. "Having supportive family and friends to validate the feelings and help you process your thoughts is certainly a protective factor." April 18 - The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette If you are a reporter looking to cover the issues survivors of mass-shooting events will experience, then let us help. Dr. Laura Wilson is a clinical psychologist whose expertise focuses on post-trauma functioning, particularly in survivors of sexual violence or mass trauma (e.g., terrorism, mass shootings, combat). Her research interests extend to predictors of violence and aggression, including psychophysiological and personality factors, as well as indicators of PTSD following mass trauma, long-term functioning among first responders, outcomes among survivors of sexual violence and the influence of media on mental illness stigma. Dr. Wilson is available to speak with media, simply click on her icon to arrange an interview today.
Are America and Japan forming a strong western front when it comes to China?
Friday saw President Joe Biden host a foreign leader for the first time since being elected, with Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga coming to the White House to discuss Asian policies, primarily, concerns about China. Biden and Suga said they both aimed to tighten the relationship between the two countries during the daylong visit, and China was one of the biggest focuses of the day's meetings. "We committed to working together to take on the challenges from China and on issues like the East China Sea, the South China Sea, as well as North Korea, to ensure the future of a free and open Indo-Pacific," Biden said during remarks in the Rose Garden of the White House on Friday. Suga said he and Biden had "serious talks on China's influence over the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, and the world at large." "We agreed to oppose any attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East and South China Seas and intimidation of others in the region," Suga said. "At the same time, we agreed on the necessity for each of us to engage in frank dialogue with China, and in so doing, to pursue stability of international relations, while upholding universal values." China sent 25 warplanes into Taiwan's air defense identification zone on Monday, which was the largest breach of that space since the island began regularly reporting such activity in September, Taiwan's Defense Ministry said. The fact that Suga was the first foreign leader to pay a visit to the White House showed the importance of the relationship between the two countries in promoting democracy in the region, Biden said earlier in the day. April 16 – CNN As China continues to flex its military and economic muscle in the region, the world is watching, and every move may have a global impact. If you are a journalist covering Asia and the political issues that are brewing in the region, then let us help with your coverage. Dr. Elizabeth Larus is an expert in the politics of China. She is available to speak to media, simply click on her icon to arrange an interview today.
