thesis statement on race

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5 examples of thesis statements about racism for your next paper.

By Evans Apr 28 2021

Racism is a hot topic worldwide. It is one of the topics that never lack an audience. As expected, racism is also one of the most loved topics by teachers and even students. Therefore, it is not a surprise to be told to write an essay or a  research paper  on racism. You need to come up with several things within an incredible paper on racism, the most important one being a thesis statement. The term thesis statement sends shivers down the spine of many students. Most do not understand its importance or how to come up with a good thesis statement. Lucky for you, you have come to the right place. Here, you will learn all about  thesis statement  and get to sample a few racist thesis statements.

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Tips to writing a strong racism thesis statement

Keep it short.

A thesis statement is supposed to appear in the first paragraph of your essay. However, this does not mean that it should be the entire paragraph! A strong thesis statement should be one sentence (not an annoyingly long sentence), usually placed as the last sentence in the first paragraph.

Have a stand

A thesis statement should show what you aim to do with your paper. It should show that you are aware of what you are talking about. The thesis statement prepares the reader for what he or she is about to read. A wrong thesis statement will leave the reader of your paper unsure about your topic choice and your arguments.

Answer your research question

If you have been tasked with writing a  research paper  on why the Black Lives Matter movement has successfully dealt with racism, do not write a thesis statement giving the movement's history. Your thesis statement should respond to the research question, not any story you feel like telling. Additionally, the thesis statement is the summary of your sand and answer to the question at hand.

Express the main idea

A confused thesis statement expresses too many ideas while a strong, suitable one expresses the main idea. The thesis statement should tell the reader what your paper is all about. It should not leave the reader confused about whether you are talking about one thing or the other.

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Thesis Statements About Racism Samples

Racism in workplace thesis statement examples.

Racism is so rampant in the workplace. Thousands face discrimination daily in their workplaces. While this is definitely bad news, it gives us more data to choose from when working on an essay or research paper on racism in the workplace. Here are a few examples of thesis statements about racism in the workplace:

1.       Despite being in the The 21st century, racial discrimination is still rampant in the workplace. The efforts made by governments and world organizations have not helped to do away with this discrimination completely.

2.       Even with the unity that comes with digitalism, colour remains the one aspect of life that has continually caused a rift in this life. A lot of efforts have turned futile in the war against racism. The workplace is no exception. It is infiltrated with racial ideologies that remain within man's scope despite the professionalism within the workplace.

3.       Systemic racism is no new concept. It remains the favoured term with the tongues of many after food and rent. This is an indicator of how rooted the world is when it comes to the issue of racism. The now world has been configured to recognize racial differences and be blind to human similarity. Organizations have been established upon this social construct, and more often than it has led them into a ditch of failure. The loot that comes with racism is of great magnitude to bear.

Thesis statement about Racism in schools

Many academic institutions have been recognized for producing students who have passed with distinctions. Unfortunately, behind these overwhelming results lies a trail of many students who have suffered racism and have missed the honors board because of the color differences. Let's look at some of the examples of thesis statements on racism in schools:

1.       Merit should be the S.I unit upon which humanity is graded. Unfortunately, this is not the case, especially in schools, for the new merit score is the person's color. Many have found their way to the honour's board not because of merit but because they of the same color affiliation as the teacher.

2.       Enlightenment and civilization have found their way to the world through one important institution called schools. We owe that to it. Unfortunately, even with the height to which the world has reached civilization and enlightenment, one area has been left out and remains unaddressed- the world view of color. Despite the light and glamour, we see globally, one predominant view is called race. We continue to paint the world based on human color, even in schools.

3.       Bullying falls among the vices that have dire consequences to the victim. One of the spheres to which bullying exists is the sphere of color and race within the context of schools. Many student's confidence and esteem have been shuttered only because they are black or white. Many have receded to depression because they feel unwanted in the schools. One of the prominent times within American History is the Jim Crow Era, where racial segregation in schools within North Carolina was rampant. We saw schools have a section for white students and a separate section for black students within this era. The prevailing flag was black and white, and racism was the order of the day.

Final Thought

Coming up with a thesis statement does not have to difficult. No, not at all. Evaluate the topic or question and express yourself through the thesis statement from your stance or the answer. Mastering this one key in writing exams or assignments is one of the keys to scaling up the ladder of lucrative grades. However, practice is a discipline that will see you become a pro in writing a prolific strong, and catchy thesis statement. Henceforth, regard yourself as a pro, regard yourself as the best in thesis statement writing. If you are still having trouble with coming up with an excellent thesis statement, do not beat yourself up because of it.  Paper per hour  has the  best writers  who can help you with all your racism thesis statement needs.

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5.3: Writing about Race, Ethnic, and Cultural Identity: A Process Approach

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To review, race, ethnic, and cultural identity theory provides us with a particular lens to use when we read and interpret works of literature. Such reading and interpreting, however, never happens after just a first reading; in fact, all critics reread works multiple times before venturing an interpretation. You can see, then, the connection between reading and writing: as Chapter 1 indicates, writers create multiple drafts before settling for a finished product. The writing process, in turn, is dependent on the multiple rereadings you have performed to gather evidence for your essay. It’s important that you integrate the reading and writing process together. As a model, use the following ten-step plan as you write using race, ethnic, and cultural identity theory:

• Carefully read the work you will analyze.
• Formulate a general question after your initial reading that identifies a problem—a tension—related to a historical or cultural issue.
• Reread the work , paying particular attention to the question you posed. Take notes, which should be focused on your central question. Write an exploratory journal entry or blog post that allows you to play with ideas.
• What does the work mean?
• How does the work demonstrate the theme you’ve identified using a new historical approach?
• “So what” is significant about the work? That is, why is it important for you to write about this work? What will readers learn from reading your interpretation? How does the theory you apply illuminate the work’s meaning?
• Reread the text to gather textual evidence for support.
• Construct an informal outline that demonstrates how you will support your interpretation.
• Write a first draft.
• Receive feedback from peers and your instructor via peer review and conferencing with your instructor (if possible).
• Revise the paper , which will include revising your original thesis statement and restructuring your paper to best support the thesis. Note: You probably will revise many times, so it is important to receive feedback at every draft stage if possible.
• Edit and proofread for correctness, clarity, and style.

We recommend that you follow this process for every paper that you write from this textbook. Of course, these steps can be modified to fit your writing process, but the plan does ensure that you will engage in a thorough reading of the text as you work through the writing process, which demands that you allow plenty of time for reading, reflecting, writing, reviewing, and revising.

Peer Reviewing

A central stage in the writing process is the feedback stage, in which you receive revision suggestions from classmates and your instructor. By receiving feedback on your paper, you will be able to make more intelligent revision decisions. Furthermore, by reading and responding to your peers’ papers, you become a more astute reader, which will help when you revise your own papers. In Chapter 10, you will find peer-review sheets for each chapter.

How to Write a Racism Thesis Statement: A Step-by-Step Guide (With Examples)

Jul 20, 2023

Jul 20, 2023 | Blog

As a student, you will handle many subjects and assignments.

One topic that is popular for essays and research papers is Racism.

Many resources are on the topic, so students assume a racism essay is easy.

The challenge you will face with a racism essay is not content but a thesis statement.

The racism thesis statement should be powerful and something your audience can understand and relate to.

This article will provide helpful guidelines and tips on writing a racism thesis statement and examples of powerful racist thesis statements.

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What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is the backbone of a persuasive paper.

The thesis states your position or opinion as a factual claim and guides readers through their journey with you in this essay.

I am informing them on how they will navigate through it.

A good thesis statement is the equivalent of a preacher giving a sermon or a politician making an announcement.

As you craft your paper’s introduction, your goal will be to pique interest by announcing what you’re going to say in-depth throughout the rest of your essay.

Do you know how a preacher or politician might say, “Here’s what I’m going to tell you”?

The thesis statement is your announcement of what you’re trying to convey.

Difference between a TOPIC and a THESIS STATEMENT

A topic is a subject or good idea you would like to explore further.

A thesis statement is a specific argumentative stance you will take on the subject.

For example, Racism is a topic, while a thesis statement about Racism could be:

“While racism remains a problem in America, it can be reduced or potentially eliminated through the effective implementation of diversity training programs in schools and corporate institutions.”

How do I get started with writing a thesis statement on racial discrimination?

Use these three steps:

(1) brainstorm what you think

(2) refine your idea

(3) rewrite your idea in the form of a central claim

Let’s use a hypothetical sociology class assignment asking you to construct a response to the racism problem on our college campus.

Step 1: Brainstorm what you think 

You start by writing, “Racism is a prominent issue on our college campus.”

Even though this is a great starting point, it is not well-defined. It’s’ simply restating the assignment.

At this point, what you need to do is to brainstorm. On this given topic, what do you think about it?

What’s your opinion on the given topic?

How will you support your opinion?

What examples and facts can you provide?

Try putting these questions on paper and writing down your answers. You will then use the solutions you wrote down to formulate a stronger racism thesis statement.

Step 2: Refine your idea

One of the proven best methods of doing this is using the following model:

On a piece of paper, write this: “I think that ____________.

Using your initial brainstorming idea, fill in the blank.

In our case, it will be this: “I think that racism remains a problem on our college campus.”

While you have rewritten your rough idea at this stage, it is starting to form a thesis.

Next, complete this model as you continue building your thesis: I think racism Racism remains a problem on our college campus because __________.

Then you write: IRacism Racism remains a problem on our college campus because it does not require mandatory diversity training for all of its students.

Okay, now you are progressing and heading in a good direction.

Let’s reword the thesis to make it appear more “academic.”

Step 3: Rewrite your idea in the form of a central claim 

We need to replace the word “you” to make the thesis statement appear less personal and like the main claim.

To achieve this, delete the “I think that” from the sentence:

“Racism remains a problem on our college campus because the college does not require mandatory diversity training for all of its students.”

Hurray! You now have your thesis statement—many congratulations.

Essential details to keep in mind when writing a racism thesis statement

1) your racism thesis statement should appear at the beginning of the paper.

When writing a Racism essay on Racism, the thesis statement is important.

Readers should be given a clear idea of what your essay will cover and how it will unfold.

The racism thesis statement is an outlook for the rest of your paper in the introductory paragraph.

The introductory paragraph should clarify that you’re approaching this topic from all angles and know how complicated this issue can be in today’s society.

2) Your theRacismatement on Racism should give direction to the rest of your paper

A thesis statement on Racism gives your reader direction and provides several reasons for elaborating on a specific claim.

If you wish to accomplish this, your statement should expRacismhe the idea of Racism in-depth with different examples that will persuade readers.

For example: ”Racism does not exist” while still, an argument is insufficient as it has a false sense of structure.

However, if your thesis is that “racism does not exist because antiracist movements have grown in power and number over the years,” you can provide two reasons to support this claim within one sentence.

Such shapes the rest of your paper while leaving much time for evidence discussion later.

Such gives the paper the needed shape as evidence is discussed in detail to support this claim.

3) Ensure that you have a debatable argument

Although it’s important to question any information you are given, there is a certain knowledge that the public already values.

For exampRacismeryone, he knows Racism is a social and moral vice.

This means coming up with such a topic would not interest their audience.

Your argument becomes a racism thesis statement once you add an aspect.

For instance, oRacismld says, “Racism is the most harmful social and moral vice on earth. we might lose our unique identities and multicultural features if not eradicated soon enough.”

4) Keep your Racism thesis statement short!

It’s effortless to make your racism essay more interesting if you keep it short.

If you pick a broad topic, the magnitude of information will almost certainly give you trouble.

A good thesis statement should be small and localized rather than large or generalizing.

For example: “White police brutality on black people among many other things shows that Racism still exists in the United States” would make a powerful claim about something that was happening more often now than before

Tips On How To Write A Racism Thesis Statement

Before writing your thesis statement on Racism, consider the following guidelines.

Find a racism topic or issue to write about

Racism is a broad issue that continues to plague the world even today.

Therefore, finding an informative topic from which you can develop a thesis statement shouldn’t be difficult.

You can see Racism approach Racism through other social issues such as art, politics, economy, equitability, poverty, and history.

2. Pick a topic that is interesting to you

You might not be familiar with all the Racism surrounding Racism.

As asRacismoned earlier, Racism is a broad topic; there are many approaches you can take in your paper.

Therefore, to have an easier time developing a thesis, pick a racist topic that interests you.

For instance, if you are conversant with the history of America, your thesis statement could focuRacismhe the effects of Racism during the Civil Rights Movement that began in 1954 and ended in 1968.

3. Hook your reader

As you write your thesis statement, try to include a hook.

A hook is a statement that grabs the attention of a reader.

Try hooking your reader by relating your thesis to popular culture.

You could even refer to current issues on the news or relate to popular television programs, movies, or books.

4. Avoid offensiveRacismage

Remember, Racism is a personal issue; it is open to bias depending on your thinking.

Therefore, most of the issues surrounding this topic are controversial.

Avoid offensive and rude language when discussing a controversial topic in an academic paper.

Examples Of Racism Thesis Statements

It would help if you had a well-thought-out and well-constructed thesis statement to get a good score in your racism-related research paper or essay.

The following are examples of thesis statements on different racism topics.

Existence of Racism

Such an essay tries to prove that racial segregation is still a significant social problem.

Therefore, your thesis statement should focus on the problems racial segregation causes.

Consider the following example:

It is a fact that police killings involving people of color are more than white people. Joshua Correll of the University of Colorado confirmed this when he designed a game where the participants played cops. The game results indicated that, despite the people playing cop, they were more willing to kill a person of color and showed hesitation when the suspect was a white persRacismis. Racism continues to plague society.

Use our free Thesis Statement Generator Tool Here .

Workplace-related Racism

Racism is a form of prejudice often experienced in a workplace environment.

A workplace powerful racism thesis statement could read as follows:

Prejudice in a workplace environment is a backward practice that undermines productivity. In the professional sphere, white people are considered mentally superior, and therefore they get the top jobs that pay higher wages. Blacks are considered physically endowed and land physical labor jobs, which generally pay lower.

Anti-racism movements

Anti-racism is a phrase coined by people who formed movements to fight Racismnsequences of Racism.

Martin Luther King Jr led the greatest antiracist movement between the early 50s and the late 60s.

Another key antiracist figure was Nelson Madiba Mandela of South Africa.

Anti-racism also covers the beliefs and policies set to combat racial prejudice.

An anti-racism essay thesis statement should evoke emotion from a reader.

The following is an example:

Anti-racism movement leaders were treated inhumanely; Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, and Martin Luther King Junior was assassinated. But, society today would not be as egalitarian as it is without them. Their sacrifices are the sole reason blacks and whites can walk on the same street and work together to create a brighter future.

Cause and effect

You can choose to write about Racism and the effect of Racism.

For example, ignoRacismis a cause of Racism that results in fear and eventually extreme violence.

The following is an example of a thesis statement that focuses on ignorance and fear as thRacismary causes of Racism.

Undoubtedly, Racism has negative consequences, the key among them being fear and violence, resulting from a need to protect themselves. Racism major cause of Racism is ignorance. Uneducated and unexposed feel threatened by people of a different race. Such people condone and practice this prejudice without considering its negative effects and consequences on the individuals they discriminate against and society.

Racism Thesis statements based on art and literature

Books, music, and movies cover a wide variety of racist topics.

The following are examples of literary artworks you can base a racism essay on:

Othello is a play by Shakespeare that addresses some delicate sociRacismssues such as Racism.

You could develop a thesis statemeRacismhlighting Racism in the play.

Othello, who was black, was highly disrespected by Lago and other characters such as Emilia, Roderigo, and Brabantio. These characters labeled him ”Barbary horse,” ”an old black ram,” ”thick lips,” and other demeaning names. He was also abused for marrying a Venetian woman. All this shows a strong conviction that one race is superior and a barbaric intolerance towards the ”inferior” race.

2. To kill a mockingbird

This book by Harper Lee is popular because it portrays the struggles of a black man in the southern states in the early 20 th century.

The book is a good source for Racism essays as it depicts Racism and its effects easily and comprehensibly.

The following is a good example of a racist thesis statement from To Kill a Mocking Bird :

Tom Robinson was suspected of murdering Mayella Ewell, a white woman, and was sentenced not because of any evidence but because he was black. Like Atticus Finch, Scout, and Jem, who tried to defend him, White characters were given shaming names such as ”Nigger lovers.” The story in the book clearly shows the tribulations a black man went through and how his word meant nothing.

3. Disney films

Disney films are popular for their fascinating stories and world-class acting and production.

However, scrutiny of several films will realize a certain degree of racial prejudice in how the films portray characters.

The following is an example of a thesis statement focusing on racial prejudice in Disney films:

There is a significant degree of racial prejudice in how Disney portrays characters in their films. For example, in Jungle Book, the gorillas communicated in an African vernacular language. Another example is Lady and the Tramp, where the cat villains had slanted eyes and spoke with an East Asian accent. The film production company portrays protagonists as white and antagonists as people of color.

4. Advertisements

The advertisement sector also depicts racial prejudice.

To demonstrate, consider this thesis statement:

Several surveys show that black people are underrepresented in commercials, mainstream media, and online ads. According to the US Census Bureau 2010 records, blacks  and other racial minorities represent 30%. Yet, only 7% of ads involve black people, while other racial minorities are hardly ever represented.

Racism is a fairly easy subject for an essay and research paper .

However, it has so many sources and different points of view that selecting one idea to focus on in creating a thesis statement can be problematic.

But, with the guidelines shared above, developing a thesis statement for your racism essay will not be as difficult.

Remember, you need to let the reader know your point of view and demonstrate your objectiveness on the issue.

Examples of thesis statements on Racism

• Racism worldwide can end if the global collaboration and interracial and intercultural communication continue to increase.
• Racial minorities in America still face covert prejudice despite America’s institutional and societal changes in the sixties.
• Multiculturalism has failed as an institutional practice in Europe, which can be determined by the increase in hate crime cases and racial minority issues.
• Despite the significance of affirmative action in countering racial prejudice, there are concerns that it promotes racial differences.
• There exists a misconception that affirmative action is a women’s agenda.
• Racial prejudice founded on a single person’s actions but taken to be the general state of affairs for the given race is wrong.
• Racism in the workplace adversely impacts workers’ productivity as it affects their aggressiveness.
• It costs nothing to point out racist actions in the workplace.
• The majority of Racism in the world relies on Racism as a means of garnering votes and grabbing power.
• The rate of racial hatred and related crimes is high in Australian universities.
• Students’ diversity can play a significant role in reducing racial crimes and related issues.
• Embracing diversity in the workplace can help reduce incidences of racial intolerance.
• Transgender, bisexual, gay, and lesbian Americans have experienced prejudice from society.
• In the thirties, the Blacks lived in hatred and poverty, which was the cause of death of many innocent lives.
• It was considered strange to show affection to Black Americans in the past.
• Despite the frowning among most citizens in America, racial prejudice is a common practice, especially in the brave home.
• Racial equality is a social barrier that Americans are yet to overcome.
• There are wide geographical and psychological distances between Asians and Blacks in America. Such distances can be attributed to the segregation by the American society government or the white-centric media.

I am dedicated to creating engaging blog posts that provide valuable insights and advice to help students excel in their studies. From study tips to time management strategies, my goal is to empower students to reach their full potential.

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Race and Ethnicity

Race is a concept of human classification scheme based on visible features including eye color, skin color, the texture of the hair and other facial and bodily characteristics. Through these features, humans are ten categorized into distinct groups of population and this is enhanced by the fact that the characteristics are fully inherited.

Across the globe, debate on the topic of race has dominated for centuries. This is especially due to the resultant discrimination meted on the basis of these differences. Consequently, a lot of controversy surrounds the issue of race socially, politically but also in the scientific world.

According to many sociologists, race is more of a modern idea rather than a historical. This is based on overwhelming evidence that in ancient days physical differences mattered least. Most divisions were as a result of status, religion, language and even class.

Most controversy originates from the need to understand whether the beliefs associated with racial differences have any genetic or biological basis. Classification of races is mainly done in reference to the geographical origin of the people. The African are indigenous to the African continent: Caucasian are natives of Europe, the greater Asian represents the Mongols, Micronesians and Polynesians: Amerindian are from the American continent while the Australoid are from Australia. However, the common definition of race regroups these categories in accordance to skin color as black, white and brown. The groups described above can then fall into either of these skin color groupings (Origin of the Races, 2010, par6).

It is possible to believe that since the concept of race was a social description of genetic and biological differences then the biologists would agree with these assertions. However, this is not true due to several facts which biologists considered. First, race when defined in line with who resides in what continent is highly discontinuous as it was clear that there were different races sharing a continent. Secondly, there is continuity in genetic variations even in the socially defined race groupings.

This implies that even in people within the same race, there were distinct racial differences hence begging the question whether the socially defined race was actually a biologically unifying factor. Biologists estimate that 85% of total biological variations exist within a unitary local population. This means that the differences among a racial group such as Caucasians are much more compared to those obtained from the difference between the Caucasians and Africans (Sternberg, Elena & Kidd, 2005, p49).

In addition, biologists found out that the various races were not distinct but rather shared a single lineage as well as a single evolutionary path. Therefore there is no proven genetic value derived from the concept of race. Other scientists have declared that there is absolutely no scientific foundation linking race, intelligence and genetics.

Still, a trait such as skin color is completely independent of other traits such as eye shape, blood type, hair texture and other such differences. This means that it cannot be correct to group people using a group of features (Race the power of an illusion, 2010, par3).

What is clear to all is that all human beings in the modern day belong to the same biological sub-species referred to biologically as Homo sapiens sapiens. It has been proven that humans of different races are at least four times more biologically similar in comparison to the different types of chimpanzees which would ordinarily be seen as being looking alike.

It is clear that the original definition of race in terms of the external features of the facial formation and skin color did not capture the scientific fact which show that the genetic differences which result to these changes account to an insignificant proportion of the gene controlling the human genome.

Despite the fact that it is clear that race is not biological, it remains very real. It is still considered an important factor which gives people different levels of access to opportunities. The most visible aspect is the enormous advantages available to white people. This cuts across many sectors of human life and affects all humanity regardless of knowledge of existence.

This being the case, I find it difficult to understand the source of great social tensions across the globe based on race and ethnicity. There is enormous evidence of people being discriminated against on the basis of race. In fact countries such as the US have legislation guarding against discrimination on basis of race in different areas.

The findings define a stack reality which must be respected by all human beings. The idea of view persons of a different race as being inferior or superior is totally unfounded and goes against scientific findings.

Consequently these facts offer a source of unity for the entire humanity. Humanity should understand the need to scrap the racial boundaries not only for the sake of peace but also for fairness. Just because someone is white does not imply that he/she is closer to you than the black one. This is because it could even be true that you have more in common with the black one than the white one.

Reference List

Origin of the Races, 2010. Race Facts. Web.

Race the power of an illusion, 2010. What is race? . Web.

Sternberg, J., Elena L. & Kidd, K. 2005. Intelligence, Race, and Genetics. The American Psychological Association Vol. 60(1), 46–59 . Web.

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IvyPanda. (2018, May 18). Race and Ethnicity. https://ivypanda.com/essays/race-and-ethnicity/

"Race and Ethnicity." IvyPanda , 18 May 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/race-and-ethnicity/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Race and Ethnicity'. 18 May.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Race and Ethnicity." May 18, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/race-and-ethnicity/.

1. IvyPanda . "Race and Ethnicity." May 18, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/race-and-ethnicity/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Race and Ethnicity." May 18, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/race-and-ethnicity/.

Thesis Statements

What this handout is about.

This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft.

Introduction

Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
• is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
• makes a claim that others might dispute.
• is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)

How do I create a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.

Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :

• Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. If the prompt isn’t phrased as a question, try to rephrase it. For example, “Discuss the effect of X on Y” can be rephrased as “What is the effect of X on Y?”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to  be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:

Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.

You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.

• Do I answer the question? You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?” This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague “positive and negative ways.”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not likely. Only people who maintain that social media has a solely positive or solely negative impact could disagree.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? No. What are the positive effects? What are the negative effects?
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? No. Why are they positive? How are they positive? What are their causes? Why are they negative? How are they negative? What are their causes?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? No. Why should anyone care about the positive and/or negative impact of social media?

After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:

Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.

This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.

Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

You begin to analyze your thesis:

• Do I answer the question? No. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. Your working thesis is a statement of general appreciation for the entire novel.

Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

• Do I answer the question? Yes!
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not really. This contrast is well-known and accepted.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? It’s getting there–you have highlighted an important aspect of the novel for investigation. However, it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. Compare scenes from the book and see what you discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and reactions and anything else that seems interesting.
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? What’s the point of this contrast? What does it signify?”

After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Americans see pressure, rather than genuine concern, as big factor in company statements about racism

Companies from Silicon Valley to Wall Street have publicly denounced racism since the protests following the killing of George Floyd. But Americans are divided on whether it’s important for firms to weigh in on political and social issues. And they are more likely to believe pressure from others – more than genuine concern for Black people – has driven recent statements about race, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.

Overall, 52% of U.S. adults say it is very or somewhat important that companies and organizations make public statements about political or social issues, while a similar share (48%) say this is not too or not at all important, according to the July 13-19 survey.

Americans’ views vary substantially by race and ethnicity. While most Black (75%), Asian (70%) and Hispanic adults (66%) say it is at least somewhat important that companies and organizations release statements about political or social issues, this share falls to 42% among white adults.

Pew Research Center conducted this study to understand Americans’ attitudes and views about companies’ role in discussing political and social issues. For this analysis, we surveyed 10,211 U.S. adults from July 13 to 19, 2020. Everyone who took part is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the  ATP’s methodology .

This survey includes a total sample size of 298 Asian Americans. The sample includes English-speaking Asian Americans only and, therefore, may not be representative of the overall Asian American population (75% of our weighted Asian American sample was born in another country, compared with 77% of the Asian American adult population overall). Despite this limitation, it is important to report the views of Asian Americans on the topics in this study. As always, Asian Americans’ responses are incorporated into the general population figures throughout this report. Because of the relatively small sample size and a reduction in precision due to weighting, we are not able to analyze Asian American respondents by demographic categories, such as gender, age or education.

Here are  the questions used  for this report, along with responses, and its methodology.

There are also stark partisan differences on these questions. Some 71% of Democrats and independents who lean toward the Democratic Party say it is very or somewhat important for companies to make public statements about political or social issues, compared with 31% of Republicans and Republican leaners. Conversely, 69% of Republicans believe it is at most not too important for firms to make these kinds of statements, including about four-in-ten (42%) saying this is not important at all for companies to do. Among Democrats, these shares drop to 29% and 10%, respectively.

Still, there are some racial differences among Democrats on how much importance they place on this. For example, Black Democrats are more likely than white Democrats to say it is very important for companies and organizations to make public statements about political or social issues (40% vs. 22%).

Even as Americans hold mixed views about the importance of such statements, they have become fairly common following the global protests that erupted in response to the killing of Floyd in police custody on Memorial Day. This survey finds that a vast majority of adults (80%) say they have seen or heard companies and organizations making public statements about race or racial inequality in the past few months, with majorities across racial and ethnic groups and political parties saying this.

While some businesses have been praised for speaking out about racial inequality, critics have questioned the timing and sincerity of these messages. At the same time, many brands have been called out for their own track records related to diversity and inclusion.

This survey finds that people who have come across brands releasing statements about race are more likely to attribute those pronouncements to companies feeling pressured to do so than a genuine concern about the plight of Black people.

Among those who have seen or heard public statements about race or racial inequality in the past few months, 69% say pressure from others to address this issue has contributed a great deal to recent public statements about race or racial inequality, while a much smaller share (19%) believes genuine concerns about the treatment of Black people in the country have been a major contributing factor to companies speaking out about race during this time.

Majorities across racial and ethnic groups think pressure from others has contributed a great deal to these statements. But white adults who have come across recent statements from firms about race or racial inequality are more likely to express this sentiment – with 73% saying this compared with about six-in-ten of the same group of Black, Hispanic or Asian adults. On the other hand, Hispanic (31%) and Black (30%) Americans are about twice as likely as Asian (16%) or white Americans (14%) to believe genuine concerns for Black people motivated companies a great deal to make statements about race or racial inequality.

There are also some partisan differences in assessing companies’ motivations for speaking out about race. Among those who have come across firms publicly addressing race-related issues, 75% of Republicans believe pressure from others to address the issue factored into companies’ decisions a great deal, compared with 65% of Democrats. And though relatively small shares across parties say genuine concern has contributed a great deal to statements they’ve seen or heard, Democrats are more likely than Republicans to say this (22% vs. 14%).

Views about the sincerity of these statements are also tied to the level of importance the public places on brands speaking out about issues. For example, 26% of those who say it is at least somewhat important for companies to make public statements about social or political issues think that genuine concern for Black people contributed a great deal to recent statements they’ve seen about race or racial inequality. Just 11% of those who say such statements are not too or not at all important say the same.

Those who deem these politically minded declarations important are less likely than those who don’t to think pressure from others largely contributed to recent statements about race. Still, majorities across both groups feel that pressure from others is a key factor driving such statements they’ve come across (65% vs. 74%, respectively).

Note: Here are  the questions used  for this report, along with responses, and its methodology.

• Business & Workplace
• Discrimination & Prejudice
• Racial Bias & Discrimination

Monica Anderson is a director of research at Pew Research Center .

Colleen McClain is a research associate focusing on internet and technology research at Pew Research Center .

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Half of latinas say hispanic women’s situation has improved in the past decade and expect more gains, a majority of latinas feel pressure to support their families or to succeed at work, a look at small businesses in the u.s., majorities of adults see decline of union membership as bad for the u.s. and working people, most popular.

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Critical Race Theory - List of Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Critical Race Theory (CRT), a theoretical framework that examines societal structures through the lens of racialization, has garnered both support and criticism over the years. Essays could delve into the historical roots of CRT, its key principles, and its application in analyzing systemic racism and its manifestations in various societal sectors like education, criminal justice, and healthcare. Discussions might also explore the critiques of CRT, focusing on arguments regarding its divisive nature or its theoretical underpinnings. An analysis of the broader socio-political discourse surrounding CRT, including its impact on policy-making, activism, and racial justice initiatives could be discussed. Furthermore, a comparative exploration of CRT with other racial and social justice theories can provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving dialogue on race, equity, and justice in contemporary society. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to Critical Race Theory you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Critical Race Theory: Guiding the Path of Black Lives Matter

"Critical race theory is a study on of racial oppression and its direct connection to the law and the government. Critical race theorists believe that the law largely contributes to racial oppression and works to keep white supremacy active. They study the ways that the law does this currently and throughout history. Black Lives Matter uses many of the ideas of critical race theory in looking at issues within the systems of our society. Attempting to recreate and change the […]

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The play Fences, written by August Wilson, explores the struggles and experiences of a fifty-three year old African American man during the late 1950’s. The play is centered around the life of the play's protagonist named Troy Maxson who is a responsible and hardworking man that is devoted to taking care of his family. However, Troy has tragic flaws that eventually leads him down a disastrous path. As the play progresses, the audience is introduced to the other characters that […]

Institutional Racism and Police Brutality in Education System

In today society there are several police brutality against black people, and in some institutional systems black people still experience racism from people who thinks they are superior. Racism is an issue which emerged from history till now and it has become a major problem in our society. This has affected some families to live their dreams and influences other people mindset towards each other. Institutional Racism is expressed in social and political institution which is governed by the behavioral […]

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The Institutional Racism

In today society there is several police brutality against black people, and it is governed by the behavioral norms which defined the social and political institution that support institutional systems. Black people still experience racism from people who think they are superior, it is a major problem in our society which emerged from history till date and it has influences other people mindset towards each other to live their dreams. In the educational system, staffs face several challenges among black […]

African American Head Coaches in Division Football

Introduction The sports field has become a platform for matters of great cultural significance, an issue which is in itself fiercely debated. The topic of diversity has been extensively covered in sports literature as well (Cunningham & Sagas, 2004). In the past years, the lack of African American head coaches in the sports industry and the issue of racial discrimination have gained increased media attention and scrutiny. The fact still remains, however, that there is a marked lack of diversity […]

Race, Law, and Justice: Examining Critical Race Theory’s Impact on Legal Systems

In the intricate tapestry of the legal landscape, the interplay between race, law, and justice has been a perennial subject of scrutiny and reflection. Critical Race Theory (CRT) emerges not just as a legal doctrine but as a dynamic framework, a kaleidoscope through which we can discern the nuanced impact of race on legal systems. As societal norms evolve, the frameworks underpinning legal structures must adapt to grapple with the stark realities of systemic racial inequities. Critical Race Theory, born […]

Intersections of Power: Analyzing Critical Race Theory in Contemporary Society

In the intricate tapestry of our modern world, the lens of Critical Race Theory (CRT) emerges as an invaluable instrument for unraveling the intricate intersections of power. In its commitment to dissecting and dismantling systemic racism, CRT offers a nuanced perspective on how the threads of race and power weave through the diverse fabric of social structures. This exploration delves into the elaborate web of power dynamics, shedding light on CRT's relevance and influence in shaping conversations about race and […]

Critical Examination of Critical Race Theory in K-12 Education: a Conservative Perspective

The integration of Critical Race Theory (CRT) into K-12 education has sparked a heated debate, with proponents advocating for a more inclusive curriculum, while opponents, often conservatives, express concerns about potential drawbacks. As a conservative, this essay aims to critically examine the implementation of CRT in K-12 education and shed light on the controversies surrounding it. Critical Race Theory emerged as an academic framework in the late 20th century, focusing on the intersectionality of race, law, and power structures. It […]

Evaluating the Impact of Critical Race Theory on Corporate Diversity Initiatives

This essay delves into the conservative viewpoint on the intersection of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and corporate diversity initiatives. As businesses increasingly adopt CRT principles to address diversity concerns, conservatives raise questions about the effectiveness, unintended consequences, and potential polarization within corporate environments. Proponents argue that infusing CRT into corporate diversity initiatives is essential for fostering inclusivity and dismantling systemic barriers. However, conservatives express reservations about the impact of incorporating a theoretical framework primarily designed for legal analysis into the […]

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Critical race theory : a lens for viewing racism in american education policy and school funding.

Susan A. Klupchak , Smith College

Publication Date

Document type.

Masters Thesis

School for Social Work

United States-Race relations, Racism in education-United States, Racism in education-Economic aspects-United States, United States. No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Federal aid to education-United States-States-Finance, Racism, Funding, Education, Race to the top, Constitution

This thesis discusses Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a foundation to understand race and racism in the U.S. and provides a brief introduction to how components of CRT can be used as a conceptual framework to understand how educational inequity undergirds the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Race To The Top (RTTT) policies. This thesis also provides a comprehensive review of CRT and uses CRT as a method of analysis to fully understand how race and racism are applied in NCLB policy. CRT is used as a method of analysis to show that race and racism are embedded in RTTT policy and supports educational inequity. The author looks at CRT and policy implications and reviews how educational practices, policies, and funding impact race, racism, and educational equity. This examination ends with an introduction to international policies and models that may be applicable to the U.S. educational system in addressing education inequity. An explanation of the importance of the U.S. Supreme Court mandating education a constitutional right that must be uniformly applied if education inequities are to be eliminated, and racism removed from our schools is provided and is followed by a call to action.

iii, 60 pages. Thesis (M.S.W.)-Smith College School for Social Work, 2014. Includes bibliographical references (pages 54-60)

Recommended Citation

Klupchak, Susan A., "Critical race theory : a lens for viewing racism in American education policy and school funding" (2014). Masters Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA. https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/818

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Phi Beta Kappa chapter honors Eileen Reeves and Beth Lew-Williams with teaching awards

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The Princeton University chapter of Phi Beta Kappa will present its annual awards for excellence in undergraduate teaching to Eileen Reeves, professor of comparative literature , emerita, and Beth Lew-Williams, professor of history.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Monday, May 27.

The students outline the criteria for excellence in teaching as skill in instruction, commitment to working with and building relationships with undergraduates, and the ability to spark students’ intellectual interests. Each winner is presented with a plaque.

Eileen Reeves

“Tell me more” is Reeves’ catchphrase. She is known for her masterful ability to encourage students to grow as writers and thinkers while offering meticulous feedback. “She pushed me hard, abhorring ‘vile verbiage’ and loose arguments,” recalls senior Brian Sheng-Kai Li . “Yet in helping her students grow as writers and scholars, she also shows tremendous grace, patience and kindness.”

One of the world’s most recognized experts on the career of Galileo Galilei, Reeves focuses on European Renaissance humanistic studies, art history, and the history of science. She “is a powerful missionary for the joys of the early modern period, and her enthusiasm for the history of science and her ‘main man’ Galileo is electric,” Li said.

Students appreciate Reeves’ wicked sense of humor and her ability “to make the material as far away from ‘academically stuffy’ as possible. ... When work feels like recreation, you know you’re in a happy place,” said another student.

Anna Windemuth, Class of 2017, who wrote a novel for her thesis, noted that while “Professor Reeves usually dedicated her keen analysis to far greater texts, she extended the same intellectual rigor to my work” and “made East Pyne feel like home.”

Reeves earned her bachelor’s degree from Whitman College and her Ph.D. from Stanford University. She taught at Princeton from 1993 to 2023.

Beth Lew-Williams

An expert on Asian American history and a historian of race and migration, Lew-Williams is cherished by students for her “commitment to rigorous inquiry, intellectual humility and compassion,” said senior Christine Hu.

Subjects that arise in her courses require special sensitivity, as many of them are personal for students. “I think I speak for many when I say that the opportunity to learn about this history has been a healing, empowering and intellectually engaging experience,” Hu said.

When taking on topics that deal with violence and trauma, she always takes a deep interest in students’ opinions. “It is healing to understand the historical roots of the perpetual feelings of ‘otherness’ I experienced growing up,” Hu said. “I also feel empowered to advocate for change after learning about a history of Asian American activism previously unknown to me.”

A signature of many of Lew-Williams' courses is the oral history component. Each year, several dozen students conduct interviews to compile these original histories. “She pushes her students as scholars, and encourages them to listen closely and compassionately to others,” Hu said. “It is amazing that every time this course is taught, nearly 100 new oral histories are generated.”

Lew-Williams joined the Princeton faculty in 2014. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Brown University and her Ph.D. from Stanford.

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Big Money Looms Over SF Mayor Race and Other Takeaways From 1st Candidate Forum

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Daniel Lurie is rich, and he knows San Franciscans might have qualms about it.

An heir to the Levi Strauss fortune and candidate for San Francisco mayor, Lurie leaned into his upbringing on Tuesday night at the first mayoral election forum this year. The Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club hosted it at the First Unitarian Universalist Church & Center on Franklin Street.

Lurie said he had no choice in growing up wealthy. Instead, the choice he made was to create an anti-poverty nonprofit, Tipping Point, to try to help people using his resources, he told Jeffrey Kwong, president of the Milk Club and the forum’s moderator.

“Every door that’s been open for me, I’ve tried to bring along as many people as possible,” Lurie told Kwong on stage. ”There’s no buying this election. This is why you’re not going to see a candidate work as hard as me.”

Kwong bluntly told Lurie that people have a “visceral” response to seeing such a wealthy person enter the mayor’s race. Some fear his money could sway the election, Kwong said.

“If you read about me these days, the first thing you hear is ‘Levi’s,’” Lurie told the crowd. “I run toward that.”

As the five mayoral candidates faced questions about their policies and personal histories from the club of progressive Democrats, Lurie wasn’t the only one to be grilled about his finances.

Mark Farrell, a former supervisor and mayor, denied his campaign had any unethical ties with independent political groups that wield significant spending power.

Text messages revealed by Mission Local and the San Francisco Chronicle suggest coordination between independent political groups TogetherSF , Neighbors for a Better San Francisco — which have spent millions from wealthy tech funders on behalf of moderate Democratic causes — and Farrell’s campaign. Some coordination between such groups may flout state and local ethics laws. The Milk Club’s members pressed Farrell on the issue.

“These are all organizations that every single candidate, I’m sure, that is up on the stage is courting,” Farrell told Kwong on stage. “And they have independent boards, and I hope to earn their support.”

Speaking to KQED, Farrell denied that Kanishka Cheng, TogetherSF Action’s CEO , and her husband Jay Cheng, head of Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, unethically coordinated with his campaign.

“Kanishka was someone who used to work for me in City Hall. She’s done amazing things running her organization inside of City Hall, and she’s a friend, and that’s it,” Farrell said after the event. When pressed to answer directly whether either of the Chengs coordinated with his campaign, he said “no.”

Catch up fast: The forum gave San Franciscans their first public glimpse into the policies and character of the top contenders in the mayor’s race: Lurie, Farrell, Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Ahsha Safai and Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin.

Kwong interviewed each candidate for 30 minutes in front of roughly 200 attendees, with no debate between candidates. The forum was announced after San Francisco’s first planned mayoral debate began to crumble last week over the alleged ties between Farrell’s campaign and political advocacy organizations. That debate would have been hosted by TogetherSF Action until Breed and Peskin questioned its independence.

It’s a novel election, as incumbent mayors are not usually challenged. A poll conducted for the San Francisco Chronicle in February showed that 71% of San Franciscans did not approve of Breed’s job performance as mayor, a result mirrored in multiple polls, revealing Breed to be vulnerable to challenge.

Why it matters: Lurie’s opponents have publicly mocked a billboard funded by his mother, Mimi Haas , touting her $1 million donation to a group supporting her son’s candidacy. The candidates have all taken turns alleging Lurie is unequipped to be mayor because he’s never held public office.

Lurie’s messaging during the forum previewed what he may say on the campaign trail to rebut those claims. Jim Ross, a political consultant who ran Gov. Gavin Newsom’s successful 2003 campaign for mayor, said every campaign has a question to answer, almost like a central thesis.

“Lurie’s obvious question he has to answer is basically, ‘Is being rich enough of a qualification to be mayor?’” Ross said.

As for Farrell, ethics laws bar certain types of cooperation between such groups. That firewall forms the backbone of campaign finance law that allows independent political groups to fundraise in any amount to support multiple candidates, as opposed to candidate-controlled campaigns, which can only accept a maximum donation of $500.

Ross said TogetherSF mishandled its bad press, saying that a statement backing Farrell might have eased off some of the scrutiny the group has come under.

“Because they kind of are trying to seem neutral or hide it and come off as independent, it’s making it a story,” Ross said. “It’s not the scandal, it’s the cover-up.”

Other candidates in the hot seat: Lurie and Farrell weren’t the only ones questioned on controversial topics by Kwong.

Kwong told Breed that progressive Democrats bristle at her support for police and her relatively silent treatment around the need for police reform after the 2020 murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis officer. Breed disagreed with Kwong’s characterization but ultimately doubled down on supporting police and public safety. Audience members shouted slogans against the police department during the discussion.

“People are hollering ‘defund the police,’” Breed said, “but let something happen to you, and you’re calling 911 and wondering why the police didn’t get there. I get that people have issues and concerns, and they’re not perfect, but I’ve worked really hard to build those bridges.”

Kwong said Peskin’s critics have characterized him as a NIMBY and dislike that he blocks housing in his home neighborhood, North Beach.

“We can grow San Francisco without destroying our neighborhoods,” Peskin said, who cited his work to build 10,000 housing units in the Mission, South of Market and Central Waterfront as part of the Eastern Neighborhoods Plan , among other efforts.

Safai was challenged on his progressive bonafides. He said he’s the only candidate with a long history in the labor movement, working with a local janitors’ union for a decade.

What we’re watching: Peskin, Lurie, Farrell and Safai all had critical words for Breed, but due to the format, Breed had no opportunity to rebut them. Breed is a skilled orator; it’ll be fascinating to watch the first debate where Breed and her challengers can engage in dialogue together — even if it’s not yet certain when that will be.

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Princeton SPIA Announces Exciting Lineup for 2024 Reunions and Commencement Celebrations

The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs will supplement the University’s 2024 Reunions - and Commencement -related events with a slate of SPIA-specific gatherings and special events of its own over the next week.

“We are thrilled to enhance the University’s 2024 Reunions and Commencement festivities with a series of exclusive gatherings and special events throughout the week. It is a privilege to honor our alumni and graduating students with memorable moments and unique experiences that reflect the spirit and excellence of SPIA.” Princeton SPIA Dean Amaney Jamal

This year’s Princeton Reunions take place from May 23 to 26. As always, the SPIA alumni community will be well represented, partnering with the Association of Princeton Graduate Alumni (APGA) as the largest participating graduate department.

New for Reunions this year is the Orange and Black Oasis – alcohol-free gatherings featuring jazz, craft zero-proof drinks, mocktails, and cookies. They will be held in the Murray-Dodge Café on Friday, May 24, from 8 p.m. to midnight and on Saturday, May 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to midnight . Princeton SPIA is co-sponsoring along with the Office of Religious Life, Students Recover, and the Princeton Alumni Association.

SPIA-specific events include:

• The Program in Law and Public Policy reception, Friday, May 24, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Bernstein Gallery, Robertson Hall. P*LAW invites alumni and guests — lawyers and law-curious alike — for champagne and dessert. As part of SPIA, the program follows in the tradition of Princeton’s great law and public affairs programs engaging leading legal scholars and practitioners in the work of solving the complex policy problems of the 21st century.
• Keeping the Lights On: Global Energy and Macroeconomic Policy, Friday, May 24, 2 – 3 p.m., Bowl A71, Louis A. Simpson International Building. An alumni panel will discuss the current state of global commodity markets, the energy transition, and energy policy going forward in the face of macroeconomic challenges. Speakers include Helima Croft *01, managing director and head of global commodity strategy and Middle East and North Africa research at RBC Capital Markets, member of the National Petroleum Council, life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a CNBC contributor; Amy Myers Jaffe ’80, professor and director of the Energy, Climate, and Sustainable Justice Lab at New York University, co-chair of the Women in Energy Initiative at Columbia University, and former senior advisor on sustainability to the chief investment officer of the University of California Regents; and Edward Morse *69, special advisor at Hartree Partners and former global head of commodities research at Citi and deputy assistant secretary of state for energy policy. Abhiram Karuppur ’19 of Harvard Business School will moderate.
• Geopolitics to the Fore? Prospects for Globalization in an Uncertain World, Friday, May 24, 3 – 4:30 p.m., Bowl 16, Robertson Hall . An alumni-faculty forum will explore the politics of today’s global economy. Speakers include Nawaf S. Al-Sabah ’94, CEO of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation; Layna Mosley, a professor of politics and international affairs; Meicen Sun ’12, an assistant professor in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois; James Vreeland, a professor of politics and international affairs; and Carl Westphal *13, deputy director of international monetary policy at the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
• SPIA All-Alumni Reception, Friday, May 24, 3:30 – 5 p.m., Schultz Cafe, Robertson Hall. Dean Amaney Jamal will offer brief remarks.
• Why Ukraine Matters: A Conversation with Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch ’80 and General Mark Milley ’80, Friday, May 23, 3:45 – 5 p.m., Room 10, McCosh Hall . This conversation on the global implications of Russia’s war in Ukraine will be moderated by Lauren Bleakney ’13, foreign service officer, with an introduction by Dora Chomiak ’91, CEO of Razom for Ukraine, and closing remarks by Lydia Zaininger ’83, executive director of the Ukrainian Institute of America.
• World in Flux: The Dynamics of Global Power, Saturday, May 25, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m., Room 50, McCosh Hall . This alumni-faculty forum features panelists Nawaf Saud Al-Sabah ’94, CEO of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation; Zeynep Zehra Dereli ’99, executive board member and CEO of the Industry Group at Calinos Holding; Jennifer Pan ’04, Sir Robert Ho Tung Professor of Chinese Studies, professor of communication, senior fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and professor, by courtesy, of political science and of sociology at Stanford University; and Peter Schram ’09, assistant professor of political science at Vanderbilt University. Nadia C. Crisan, the executive director of SPIA’s Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination, will moderate.
• SPIA 20th, 25th, and 50th Reunion Brunch, Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Schultz Cafe, Robertson Hall.

Princeton’s Commencement will be held on Tuesday, May 28, at 10 a.m. at Princeton Stadium, with the student procession beginning at approximately 9:40 a.m.  SPIA-specific Commencement-related events are as follows:

• SINSI Graduation Brunch, Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m., The Atrium at Carl Icahn Laboratory
• SPIA Hooding and Awards Ceremony, Monday, May 27, 9 a.m., McCarter Theatre (open to MPP/MPA grad and guests, SPIA staff and faculty).
• SPIA Class Day ceremony, Monday, May 27, 2 p.m., Richardson Auditorium (open to all); reception to follow on Alexander Beach.

Those posting about Commencement to social media are asked to use the hashtag #SPIAProud2024. The School's handle on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook is @PrincetonSPIA.

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Congratulations to the GRSJ Graduating Class of 2024!

May 24, 2024

Please join us in celebrating the class of May 2024 graduates. We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Doctor of Philosophy in Gender, Race, Sexuality & Social Justice:

• Ine Beljaars Thesis title: Embodied encounters: Afro-Latin dance and Dutch cultural identity Supervisors: Dr. Annette Henry and Dr. Becki Ross Committee Members: Dr. Denise Ferreira da Silva & Michelle Stack; Department of Educational Studies

Master of Arts in Gender, Race, Sexuality & Social Justice:

• Elaina Nguyen Thesis title:  On Vietnamese Canadian futurities: generational and temporal invocations of refugeeness Supervisor: Dr. JP Catungal Committee Member: Dr. Christine Kim, Department of English Language and Literatures

• Melissa Plisic Thesis title: Plant-based research: a queer master’s thesis born of mass extinction Supervisor: Dr. Leila Harris Committee Member: Dr. Astrida Neimanis; Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies

• Rory Brimacombe Thesis title: Empowered Identities: Queer Magic and Epistemic Justice Supervisors: Dr. Janice Stewart Committee Member: Dr. Sabina Magliocco; Department of Anthropology

• Taylor Arnt Thesis title: Asserting Rangatiratanga and Kaitiakitanga in Response to Colonialism, Capitalism and Climate Change: The Case of Ngāi Tahu  Supervisors: Dr. Dory Nason and Dr. JP Catungal Committee Members: Dr. Matthew Rout; University of Canterbury

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Bachelor of Arts, Minor in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice:

• Clairmont, Lexine • Conde, Aminata • Down, Emma • Earl, Olivia • Karov, Rukie • Landerholm, Mac • Moza, Leela • Rauf, Huda

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For Industrial Emissions, These Bricks May Be a Game Changer. Yes, Bricks.

Inside one company’s effort to create a more environmentally friendly energy source., phil mckenna.

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Joey Kabel (left) and Dan Stack, co-founders of Electrified Thermal Solutions in Medford, Massachusetts, stand next to their pilot system, whose electrically charged bricks generate and store heat. Barry Chin/The Boston Globe

This story was originally published by  Inside Climate New s  and is reproduced here as part of the  Climate Desk   collaboration.

Inside a cinder block office building perhaps best known for the Hindu temple and table tennis club next door, a startup company is testing what may be one of the hottest new developments in clean energy technology.

At the back of a small warehouse laboratory buzzing with fans and motors, an MIT spinoff company called Electrified Thermal Solutions is operating something its founders call the Joule Hive, a thermal battery the size of an elevator.  

The Hive is a large, insulated metal box loaded with dozens of white-hot ceramic bricks that convert electricity to heat at temperatures up to 1800 degrees Celsius—well beyond the melting point of steel—and with enough thermal mass to hold the heat for days.

As the price of renewable energy continues to plummet, one of the biggest challenges for the clean energy transition is finding a way to convert electricity to high temperature heat so societies don’t have to continue burning coal or natural gas to power heavy industries. Another thorny issue is finding a way to store energy—in this case heat—for when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow.

ETS received a $5 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to help build its first commercial-scale demonstration project.

“If you are running an industrial plant where you’re making cement or steel or glass or ceramics or chemicals or even food or beverage products, you burn a lot of fossil fuels,” Daniel Stack, chief executive of Electrified Thermal Solutions, said. “Our mission is to decarbonize industry with electrified heat.”

The industrial sector accounts for nearly one-fourth of all direct greenhouse gas emissions in the US, which drive climate change,  according to the EPA . Thermal batteries powered by renewable energy could reduce roughly half of industry’s emissions, according to  a 2023 report  by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, a nonprofit, and its affiliated Renewable Thermal Collaborative. 

Additional emissions come from chemical reactions, such as carbon dioxide that is formed as an unwanted byproduct during cement production, and from methane that leaks or is intentionally vented from natural gas pipes and other equipment. 

The challenge to replacing fossil fuel combustion as the go to source for heat, is that there aren’t a lot of good options available to produce high temperature heat from electricity, Stack said. Electric heaters, like the wires that turn red hot in a toaster, work well at low temperatures but quickly burn out at higher temperatures. Other, less common materials like molybdenum and silicon carbide heaters can withstand higher temperatures, but are prohibitively expensive.

As a grad student at MIT, Stack wondered if firebricks, the bricks commonly used in residential fireplaces and industrial kilns, could be a less expensive, more durable solution. Bricks do not typically conduct electricity, but by slightly altering the recipe of the metal oxides used to make them, he and ETS co-founder Joey Kabel were able to create bricks that could essentially take the place of wires to conduct electricity and generate heat.

“There’s no exotic metals in here, there’s nothing that’ll burn out,” Stack said standing next to shelves lined with small samples, or “coupons,” of brick that he and his team have tested to find the ones with the best heating properties. 

One of Electrified Thermal Solution’s biggest champions is MIT nuclear engineering research scientist Charles Forsberg, Stack’s former thesis advisor and an advisor to the company.

“I have no doubt that this is going to go commercial,” Forsberg, who, along with Stack and MIT hold the patent to the technology, said. “I’m 77, it’s just sort of an intuitive feel of 50 years in the game.” 

Forsberg said his only concern was whether Electrified Thermal Solutions would be the ones to bring the technology to fruition, noting that many clean energy technologies have been invented in the U.S. only to gain commercial success in China.  

Recent government funding has given the company a significant boost.

In January, ETS received a $5 million US Department of Energy grant to help build its first commercial-scale demonstration project at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, an independent organization that provides contract research and development services to government and industrial clients. 

The project will demonstrate how the thermal battery could provide high temperature heat for a number of industrial processes including cement manufacturing, which currently relies primarily on burning coal for heat. 

Massimo Toso, president and chief executive of Buzzi Unicem USA, one of the largest cement producers in the US and an industrial partner with ETS on the DOE grant, praised the company’s thermal battery.

“The fact that the brick is also the heating element, and you just supply electricity to the brick itself, simplifies the system significantly.”

“ETS’s Joule Hive™ Thermal Battery is the first industrial heat decarbonization solution we have identified that could potentially enable us to cost effectively and completely eliminate the use of fossil fuels in our heating processes,” Toso said in a written statement. 

In March, Ashland, a specialty chemical manufacturer based in Wilmington, Delaware, was awarded up to $35 million in a matching grant from the Energy Department to fund what would be the first commercial deployment of ETS’s thermal batteries. 

Joule Hives would be installed at Ashland’s ISP Chemicals plant in Calvert City, Kentucky that requires large volumes of high temperature steam to run its operations. 

Curt Jawdy, a senior manager with the Tennessee Valley Authority, a partner on the grant and the local electric utility for Calvert City, said ETS’s ability to charge its thermal battery during off peak hours allows industrial facilities to decarbonize without placing greater strain on the utility’s electric grid.

Jawdy said he also liked the company’s technology.

“Simpler is always better,” he said. “The fact that the brick is also the heating element, and you just supply electricity to the brick itself, simplifies the system significantly.”

The project would replace natural gas-fired boilers at the Calvert City plant with ETS’s thermal batteries. Air blown through the Joule Hive batteries would transfer flame-temperature heat to the boilers to generate steam.

The project would reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with steam generation at the plant by nearly 70 percent,  according to the DOE .

In 2022, Ashland released 72,000 tons of carbon dioxide from burning natural gas at the plant, according to  data the company reported  to the Environmental Protection Agency.  

Those emissions are equal to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 17,000 automobiles, a significant source of climate pollution in a town of 2,500 people, the EPA says.

The DOE grant would split the cost of the project with Ashland up to a total of $70 million. Ashland would oversee the installation of the thermal batteries at its facility, a process that would involve a certain amount of risk for such a first of its kind installation.

Carolmarie Brown, a spokeswoman for Ashland, said the company is still evaluating the project. “There are many factors driving the decisions we will make as we proceed,” Brown said. “Large scale decarbonization includes thorough evaluations of the options, projects and innovations to move forward, and we’re in the early phase of the process.”

As Ashland continues to evaluate the project, Stack and colleagues are continuing to scale up their capabilities.

From the company’s beginning in 2020, ETS has outsourced production of its electrically conductive bricks to an industrial brick manufacturer that follows ETS’s proprietary recipe. After several years placing orders for small test batches of bricks, ETS recently received its first multi-ton order.

“Now, if you want two tons, [or, if] you want 2,000 tons, the manufacturer is ready to do that for us,” Stack said. “We’re off to the races.”

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