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Influence of Storm Drain Proximity and Zostera marina Seagrass Presence on Microplastic Levels in Sediment of a Restored Salt Marsh Habitat
No full textSalinas de San Pedro is a restored salt marsh in Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park in San Pedro, CA, where Zostera marina seagrass grows. Given its urban location, the area is influenced by two storm drain outlets, one within the marsh and one outside, raising concerns about microplastic contamination from urban runoff. This study investigated microplastic contamination in surface sediment and examined how microplastic density relates to both storm drain proximity and seagrass presence. Four sites were surveyed, two inside and two outside the marsh, with one site adjacent to a storm drain and one farther away in each area. At each site, seagrass percent cover and shoot density were measured, and sediment cores were collected for microplastic analysis. Microplastics were found in all 60 samples, totaling 1,133 microplastic particles identified. While linear regression showed no significant relationship between microplastic density and distance from storm drains (R² = 0.0057, p = 0.566), Site 1, nearest to the storm drain outside the marsh, had significantly higher microplastic levels than all other sites (p = 0.00013), suggesting localized input. Seagrass presence was a stronger predictor of microplastic levels. Microplastic density was positively correlated with seagrass cover (R² = 0.1732, p = 0.000944) and shoot density (R² = 0.2381, p = 0.000077), supporting the idea that seagrass may enhance microplastic retention. However, the co-occurrence of high seagrass density and stormwater input at the most contaminated site complicates interpretation and suggests interaction between multiple factors. This study underscores the widespread presence of microplastics even in restored, ecologically valuable habitats and highlights the need for improved plastic pollution mitigation and urban runoff management to protect vulnerable coastal ecosystems
Brief Insights, March 2025: Expanding Educational Opportunity: Highlights from a Multilingual/English Learner-Focused Research, Practice, Policy Partnership
Get PDFThe Center for Equity for English Learners (CEEL) at Loyola Marymount University collaborated with Camino Nuevo Charter Academy (CNCA) in a Research, Practice, Policy Partnership to investigate problems of practice and enhance literacy leaders’ focus on supporting classroom teachers to meet the needs of multilingual/English learners (ML/EL). The research question for this study focused on literacy leaders’ perceptions about how the revised Planning-Observation-Debrief (POD) cycle tools support teachers’ focus on scaffolding ML/ELs’ access to reading and writing complex text. Emerging findings emphasize the valued partnership between literacy leaders and the teachers they coach, as well as the importance of building knowledge of English Language Development (ELD) standards, utilizing data-driven instruction, and leveraging staff experience to address ML/EL needs in a sustainable manner.https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/ceel_education_policybriefs/1017/thumbnail.jp
Jailbirds
No full textChicago, 1926. When her husband is framed for murder, a gangster moll must rally her dopey gang she once rejected to break him out of prison
Using Inclusive Language in Library Instruction to Foster Equitable Spaces
No full textIn this session, I’ll share how I’ve used the inclusive language strategies I learned in the ACUE Inclusive Teaching for Equitable Learning course to improve library instruction and create more equitable spaces for students. Language is powerful, and the way we speak can either open doors or unintentionally create barriers for students from diverse backgrounds. By using inclusive language, we can ensure all students feel respected, valued, and supported in the library.
I’ll walk through simple, practical examples of how inclusive language can be applied in library workshops, one-on-one research appointments, and everyday interactions with students. Whether it’s using gender-neutral terms or being mindful of cultural sensitivity, small language shifts can make a big difference in how students experience the library.
I’ll also talk about how expressing confidence in students—especially those from marginalized groups—can help fight imposter syndrome and create a sense of belonging. When students feel like they belong, they’re more likely to succeed and engage with library resources.
By the end of the session, you’ll have some concrete strategies for using inclusive language in your own library instruction or in interactions with patrons, helping to build a more welcoming and equitable learning environment for all students.
Outcomes Identify simple changes in language that can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment in library instruction. Apply inclusive language in one key aspect of their library instruction, such as presentations, workshops, or one-on-one student interactions. Reflect on how expressing confidence in students can influence student engagement and success, especially for those from marginalized backgrounds
Courts and Social Justice
Get PDFMany scholars have argued that courts are either harmful or useless when it comes to improving social justice in society. There are three main reasons offered in support of this argument: (1) Courts are elitist institutions that support the high social class of the judges at the expense of the rest of society, (2) the structure of litigation is geared towards harming the rights of people with modest economic means, (3) even when courts try to impose a higher standard of social justice, they are not able to initiate real social change. The purpose of this paper is to investigate these claims. The conclusion the paper reaches is that courts are able to initiate social change in favor of powerless social groups, primarily diffuse interests that are usually taken advantage of even in a functioning democracy. The reason has to do with social processes that take place after judgments are issued instead of with the ideology of judges
Indigenous Librarianship: Practices of Indigenous Agency and Abundance, Perspectives for IILF Hawaiʻi 2023
No full textThis presentation shares findings from the white paper Indigenous Librarianship: Practices of Indigenous Agency and Abundance, developed from research conducted at the International Indigenous Librarians’ Forum, Hawaiʻi 2023. The study engaged 80 Indigenous library professionals and their allies through structured surveys, a focus groups, town halls and targeted interviews, examining key issues such as library policy, community engagement, culturally responsive collection management, Indigenous language revitalization, and the role of libraries in advancing Indigenous well-being, sovereignty, and knowledge systems.
The presentation identifies systemic challenges and successful interventions, including actionable recommendations for policy development, professional growth, and Indigenous-led stewardship models. Designed for application across academic, public, and community-based libraries, these recommendations provide an evidence-based framework for strengthening Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination in librarianship. Attendees will gain insights into practical strategies that support Indigenous agency and its meaningful engagement within information spaces.
Outcomes Identify Key Challenges and Opportunities in Indigenous Librarianship – Attendees will gain an understanding of systemic barriers faced by Indigenous library professionals, as well as successful interventions that support Indigenous agency, self-determination, and knowledge sovereignty in library spaces. Apply Actionable Strategies for Policy and Program Development – Participants will learn evidence-based recommendations for integrating Indigenous-led decision-making, community-driven programming, and culturally grounded collection management into library policies and professional practices. Enhance Professional and Institutional Support for Indigenous Librarianship – Attendees will explore approaches to mentorship, professional development, and institutional transformation that strengthen Indigenous leadership and governance within academic, public, and community libraries
The AI Regulatory Pyramid: A Taxonomy & Analysis of the Emerging Toolbox in the Global Race for the Regulation and Governance of Artificial Intelligence
Get PDFThis Article presents a taxonomy and a framework for the emerging AI governance system. The range of solutions and approaches between softer and harder, collaborative and adversarial private-public regulation, is neither binary nor static but rather dynamic and varied across contexts. AI regulation necessitates a multifaceted approach as well as attention to skill-building, market competition, and infrastructure. A balanced, rational debate about the costs and benefits, risks and potential of AI is crucial to ensuring that regulators are attentive to the entire range within their regulatory toolbox and are open to experimentation, research, and investment in AI for good
The Dangers of Being Reef Safe : How Reef Safe Marketing Fails Consumer Protection Laws at Federal and State Levels
No full textThe rise of the environmentally-conscious consumer has a corresponding side effect: environmentally-friendly advertising. Because environmental marketing is largely based on science, the average consumer lacks the requisite scientific literacy to determine whether a company’s product claims are legitimate. Although there are consumer protection laws that govern environmental marketing at both the federal and state levels, some forms of advertising fail to meet these standards, including “reef safe” sunscreen claims. “Reef safe” marketing alleges that certain types of sunscreen are better for the coral reefs than others.
This Note argues that “reef safe” advertising violates national and state consumer protection laws. Such marketing is deceptive and lacks the requisite level of substantiation to satisfy federal standards. The evidence that exists fails to support such claims: ultimately, all sunscreen has a minimal effect on the aquatic environment. Further, “reef safe” advertising violates California’s consumer protection laws and environmental marketing statutes because such claims are misleading to the reasonable consumer. This Note contends that the implications of “reef safe” marketing extend beyond consumer protection laws, resulting in practical human health implications