AU Newsmakers 7.31-8.7, 2020

President Sylvia M. Burwell appeared on NBC's Nightly News to discuss why the university changed its plan for the fall. President Burwell said, “It was a three-week period of those case counts being so high.” (8/2)

He Predicted Trump's Win in 2016. Now He's Ready to Call 2020

Distinguished Professor of History Allan Lichtman spoke to The New York Times about his 13 Keys system, which he uses to predict the winner in presidential contests. Additional coverage appeared in CBNC Online, USA Today, WTTG-Fox 5, and CTV News. (8/5)

Faculty Authors

How the Failures of the 1919 Versailles Peace Treaty Set the Stage for Today's Anti-Racist Uprisings.

Elizabeth Thompson, Mohamed S. Farsi Chair of Islamic Peace, wrote an article for The Conversation about how the 1919 Versailles Treaty is related to this summer's anti-racist protests. Thompson wrote, “The Covenant of the League of Nations, drafted by those same leaders at Paris in 1919, codified the inequality of races in international law.” (8/3)

Young Black Americans not Sold on Biden, the Democrats or Voting

David Barker, director of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, and CCPS Fellow Sam Fulwood III, co-wrote an article for The Conversation about the results of a survey conducted as part of the Young Black Voters Project. They wrote, “In short, it appears that for Black America, the future is not necessarily ‘blue.'” Leonard Steinhorn, professor of communication, spoke to WUSA9 about the impact black voters may have on the outcome of the election. (8/5, 7/31)

What Is Intolerance Fatigue, and Why Is It Fueling Black Live Matter Protests?

Bev-Freda Jackson, adjunct professorial lecturer in the School of Public Affairs, wrote an article for The Conversation about intolerance fatigue and the Black Lives Matter protests. Jackson wrote, “It's a frustration and anger about systemic racism that drives people to act, to demand change and become part of creating the social change they want.” (8/6)

Expertise

The Revealing and Disturbing Story of America, Told Through 20 Years of Reality Dating Shows

Sherri Williams, assistant professor communication, spoke to The Washington Post about representation in reality dating TV shows. Williams said, “The ones that are more real and more inclusive are starting to germinate and really rise to the top.” Williams also spoke to Health Magazine about intersectional feminism. (8/5)

Congress and Technology: Do Lawmakers Understand Google and Facebook Enough to Regulate Them?

Interim Dean of the School of Communication Laura DeNardis spoke to USA Today about regulating Big Tech. DeNardis said, “Everone understands that our democracy now is on the line when it comes to information, censorship, who gets to speak in the public sphere and what to do about all these content questions.” (8/2)

Biden to Interview Potential Running Mates as First Presidential Candidate to Consider Only Women

Betsy Fischer-Martin, executive director of the Women & Politics Institute, spoke to CBS News about Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's decision to consider only female running mates. Fischer-Martin said, “This could be a game changer for women of color.” (8/5)

If the Senate Doesn't Bail Out the Childcare Industry, Economists See Women Leaving the Workforce En Masse.

Economics Professor Maria Floro spoke to Business Insider about federal assistance for the childcare industry. Floro said, “Failure to bail out the child care industry will be a step back to the progress that has been reached by women in the U.S. in terms of the participation in the labor market.” (8/2)

Americans See Bias, Divisiveness in Media, But Still Feel Press Plays 'Critical' Role

Jane Hall, professor of communication, spoke to Sinclair Broadcasting Group about the role of the media. Hall said, “What's driving a lot of the punditry is what I would consider objective reporting.” (8/5)

Visalia Among Best Cities for First-Time Homebuyers

Kimberly Luchtenberg, assistant professor in the Kogod School of Business, spoke to the Sun Gazette about people buying homes during the pandemic. Luchtenberg said that it's difficult to know whether changes in the homebuying process caused by the pandemic will become permanent. (8/5)

Prepared by University Communications

American University's faculty, staff, students and programs appear in regional, national and international print, online and broadcast media regularly. Each week, AU Newsmakers provides highlights of AU in the news. For prior weeks, go to: http://www.american.edu/media/inthemedia.cfm

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