Civil Rights News: Profile on Black Women; Hospital Denied Same-Sex Visitation; Discriminatory University Study

Black Students say Duke Study Claiming they Switch to Easier Majors Shows Deeper Problems

A Duke University study claims that Black students’ GPAs rise to meet those of white students over time due to Black students switching to “easier” majors that require less study time. The study found that more Black students choose humanities and social science majors than White students, and fewer science and engineering majors. Science and engineering majors are seen as harder because they require more hours of study and work. Black students at Duke have protested this study’s findings; Affirmative Action opponents have referenced the study in arguments challenging AA laws.

Washington Adventist Denied Same-Sex Visitation; Hospital Apologizes

A local woman was denied visitation with her partner at Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park. Her partner, Kathryn Wilderotter, was admitted after suffering from a seizure and crashing her car, and when Linda Cole tried to see her, the hospital staff would not allow her through since she was not “family.” Cole has filed complaints with the federal government, the hospital, and the national hospital accreditation agency.

Survey Paints Portrait of Black women in America

A national survey by The Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation of more than 800 Black women broke through many of the stereotypes dehumanizing them. Black women have more opportunities than ever before, and this survey reveals the complexity of their lived experiences, including high motivation to succeed and a positive sense of self-worth.

Compiled by Josh Ferrier, a Fall 2012 intern