Duke University
Five simple reasons Gov. Cooper’s promised abortion bill veto must be sustained
It’s been fifty years now since North Carolina women secured the basic right – if not always the practical ability – to control their own bodies when it comes to deciding whether to carry a pregnancy to term. If Republican legislators in the North Carolina General Assembly get their way, however, that fundamental human right […]
To work right, Medicaid expansion requires additional action
The North Carolina General Assembly’s recent expansion of Medicaid is a vital step to reducing the health inequities that produce a constellation of preventable harms. But North Carolina is not prepared to reap the full benefit of expanding Medicaid. We cannot in good conscience improve the affordability of care and not address the lack of […]
Duke grad students continue unionization efforts without recognition from administration
Duke University grad students are pushing forward with their campaign to unionize, despite the administration declining to voluntarily recognize and negotiate with their union. As Policy Watch has reported, the Duke Graduate Students Union filed for a union election last Friday. In a Monday e-mail to doctoral students and faculty, Interim Provost Jennifer Francis said […]
The month ahead in Higher Ed
Mark your calendars for these higher education related meetings, listening sessions and events over the next month: Wednesday, March 8 “The Politics of the Marvel Cinematic Universe” – a panel discussion promoting the new book in which more than 25 scholars examine the way the phenomenally successful Marvel superhero films go beyond mere thrills, delivering […]
Duke University graduate student workers push for recognition of union
Graduate student workers at Duke University in Durham are joining a wave of students at other prominent private universities in unionizing. After a rally late last week, they are waiting for the university administration to formally recognize the union and begin negotiations on a first contract. “When we gain recognition, [Duke Graduate Students Union] will […]
Abortion limits NC Republicans are considering would endanger patients’ lives, Duke doctors say
Duke University doctors warned that abortion restrictions North Carolina Republicans are considering will endanger patients’ health and drive up the already high maternal mortality rate. Three Duke OB/GYNs said during a video news conference that other states’ bad experiences with abortion bans offer North Carolina a look into the future if legislators impose more limits […]
Duke medical experts warn of potential harms of new anti-LGBTQ bills
A panel of medical experts from Duke University spoke out Wednesday against two new bills that would place restrictions on LGBTQ youth, their schools and their families. Senate Bill 49 would, among other provisions, require teachers to notify parents if a student questions their own gender. House Bill 43 would make it illegal for anyone […]
Experts to discuss reparations for slavery in UNC event
Reparations to Black Americans for slavery is one of the nation’s oldest and fiercest political debates. Next week, expert scholars will debate the issue as part of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Program for Public Discourse. The December 8 event, part of the program’s Debating Public Policy Series, will bring together Dr. William Darity, professor of Public Policy […]
Coal ash found in lake beds in North Carolina, contaminating waterways and fish with arsenic, selenium and other toxic elements
This story has been updated with quotes from Duke Energy. At least a half ton of coal ash is sitting on the bottom of five freshwater lakes in North Carolina, a new scientific study has found, highlighting the “legacy of inadequate storage,” of the toxic material in unlined pits. The persistence of the ash in […]
Biden’s bill to combat climate change advances as NC breaks new heat records
It’s been another hot summer for the Northern Hemisphere, the U.S., and in North Carolina. According to the North Carolina State Climate Office, it was the driest June in over three decades. In July – which is climate-wise the state’s hottest month – high pressure over the Southeast pushed temperatures to 102 in Raleigh on July […]
‘More than a vessel’: North Carolina doctors raise red flags over the realities of a post-Roe world
North Carolina obstetricians and gynecologists are raising concerns over the burden tighter restrictions on abortion could have on women as well as the medical profession. Dr. Jonas Swartz is an assistant professor in Duke University's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a researcher in reproductive health equity issues.
Biden pick to lead FDA fields questions over pharma ties, abortion pill, COVID tests
With support from Richard Burr, Duke University professor seeks to return to position he held during the Obama years WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration drew praise from a top Senate Republican, as well as critical questions from conservatives and others during a Tuesday confirmation hearing.