University News and Communications publishes VUToday, a compilation of Vanderbilt mentions in the media, each weekday. Read a selection of Vanderbilt news stories for the week of Aug. 22. To subscribe to the daily VUToday newsletter, visit news.vanderbilt.edu/vutoday.
Campus Reform: Vandy upgrades social justice offerings
Vanderbilt University will expand its diversity and social justice programs through a new Office of Social Justice and Identity. The new office was recently approved by Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos and will be led by Frank Dobson, associate dean of students. Both Chancellor Zeppos and Dobson are quoted.
Smithsonian: Why the universe needs more black and Latino astronomers
The Banneker Institute is an ambitious new program meant to increase the number of black and Latino astronomers in the field—and to ensure that they are equipped to grapple with the social forces they will face in their careers. During the program, they alternate between specific research projects, general analysis techniques and social justice activism. The Fisk-Vanderbilt Bridge Program is also discussed, and Keivan Stassun, professor of astronomy and senior associate dean for graduate education and research, is quoted.
The Atlantic: Poor and uneducated: The South’s cycle of failing higher education
According to a slew of recent data, Southern states have been disproportionately cutting spending on public higher education. In a region where the poorest families already face some of the nation’s highest poverty rates, forced tuition increases make their colleges and universities among the least affordable. This factor contributes to falling enrollment in states already struggling with some of the nation’s lowest percentages of residents with college educations. William Doyle, associate professor of higher education, is quoted. The story was originally published by The Hechinger Report.
The Guardian (U.K.): How not to apologize: What Donald Trump and Ryan Lochte get wrong
What do Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte have in common? They wouldn’t know how to say they’re sorry to save their lives, as illustrated this week by their very public non-apologies for equally public bad behavior. John Lachs, Centennial Professor of Philosophy, is quoted.
MIT Technology Review: 35 innovators under 35: Maithilee Kunda, 32
Maithilee Kunda, assistant professor of computer science and computer engineering, is profiled in this feature about 35 innovators under the age of 35. Inspired by the interesting visual abilities of people on the autism spectrum, Kunda discusses how she builds artificial-intelligence systems that use data made up entirely of images.
USA Today: Zika virus may linger in babies’ blood for months, with unknown effects
The Zika virus may linger in the blood of an infected baby for more than two months, according to a new study from Brazil that raises concerns about the potential of the virus to continue inflicting damage to an infant’s brain even after birth. William Schaffner, professor of preventive medicine and health policy, is quoted.