III. Policy Research

Policy Research

The NREI Research advances social justice reform by producing reports, policy briefings, and strategic engagement with the Congressional Black Caucus. Our priority areas include Criminal Justice Reform, Education, Health Equity, and Economic Opportunity.

As the June 2021 cohort of NREI Fellows has now transitioned to their Foundation rotation the forthcoming research for Quarter 1 2022 is as follows:

Criminal Justice

Juvenile Justice Research

Research on the impact of referring youth to the juvenile court system. How do we reduce the number of court referrals from schools?

Case Study of Reentry Practices

Eliminating Barriers to Reentry for Returning Citizens: A 50 State examination of reentry practices.

Economic Opportunity

Reparations More than 150 Years Later. The Case of Restorative Justice Policy in Evanston, IL

This case study dissects the history of reparations and the overall climate of the United States’ attitude towards reparations implementation through current legislation. Further, the study looks closely at Evanston’s recent decision to enact restorative justice policies in the wake of the current climate and then analyzes how the national agenda can learn from this decision model. Finally, this case study aims to analyze Evanston’s model to inform policy and practices that can be used to progress H.R. 40 and other national, state, and local reparations legislation.

Appeal for Administrative Action: Canceling Student Loan Debt for Historically Black College and University Alumni

This policy brief implores that policymakers prioritize student debt cancellation, particularly for Historically Black College and University (HBCU) borrowers, to alleviate the impact of high intergenerational financial costs. During Foundation rotations, the June 2021 NREI Fellows will also

complete a Capstone Research Project.

The Capstone is the culmination of the Fellowship experience that allows each Fellow to

demonstrate their mastery of a specific topic and the Fellow’s research and analytical skills. The Capstone incorporates concepts, techniques and skills learned throughout the Fellowship experience, through which Fellows can make

original scholarly, professional contributions to their field. The

final publication must address a key policy/issue within the NREI priorities: Criminal Justice Reform; Education; Health Equity and Economic Opportunity. June 2021 NREI Fellows’ Capstone papers and presentations will be completed on May 16, 2022.

Education

A Policy Brief Analyzing the Expansion of High-Speed Internet Access

This policy brief will assess and identify factors that have led to the digital divide for Black students in K-12, analyze the consequences, and recommend legislative priorities to close the gap and provide greater access.

Health

Reproductive Rights, Dobbs v. Jackson, and Implications for the Black Maternal Health Crisis

This policy brief suggests that the burden of an anti-abortion ruling will rest most heavily on the shoulders of Black women who are living with low incomes in states that already offer severely limited abortion services.