COSSA Member
COSSA Member Organizations
AERA Holds Congressional Briefing on LGBTQ Issues in Education, Shares Research Agenda
On July 9, four distinguished scholars shared the results of an initiative and subsequent publication, LGBTQ [Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer] Issues in Education: Advancing a Research Agenda, by the American Educational Research Association (AERA), a COSSA Governing Member. The report āexemplifies one of the most important objectives of AERA as a scientific and scholarly association: to bring rigorous and relevant knowledge to bear on salient issues in education and to help chart future directions of inquiry,ā states Felice Levine, AERA executive director, in the preface of the recently released report and moderator of the congressional briefing held on…
PAA/PRB Briefing Explores the Changing Landscape of Marriage
The Population Association of America, a COSSA governing member, and the Population Reference Bureau, also a COSSA member, held a congressional briefing on April 17 called āThe Vow Factor: Marriage, Divorce and Family Formation & their Impact on Health and Well-Being.ā COSSA was a co-sponsor of the briefing. Moderated by Robert Moffitt of Johns Hopkins University, the briefing featured presentations on trends and consequences of changes in marriage and parenthood. Andrew J. Cherlin, Johns Hopkins University, gave a presentation on the education-based gap in the marriage rate. Lisa Berkman, Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, discussed how single motherhood…
New AAAS Study Investigates the Social Responsibilities of Scientists
The notion that scientists have a responsibility to society that goes beyond their responsibilities to the profession is long-standing. While there is a growing literature concerning the issues encapsulated by the phrase āsocial responsibility of scientists,ā a review of that literature reveals many and sometimes competing views. What is more, to date there has been no empirical basis on which to define the content and scope of such social responsibilities. It is within this context that the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition, of which COSSA is a member, and the AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program decided…
Rebecca Blank Named 2015 Moynihan Prize Winner
The American Academy of Political and Social Science (AAPSS), a COSSA member, has named Rebecca Blank, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, winner of the 2015 Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize. The prize is awarded annually to individuals āwho use sound analysis and social science research to inform public policy, while also contributing to the public discourse on societyās most pressing issues.ā Among her many contributions, Blank is being recognized for her work at the U.S. Department of Commerce, as a member of the Council of Economic Advisors during the Clinton Administration, and during her various faculty positions. Blank will give…
SPSSI Seminar Explores the Psychology of Human Rights
The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI), a COSSA member, held the last seminar in its 2014 series, Psychological Insights into Legislative Issues, on October 8. The topic was āWho Cares about Human Rights? The Psychology of Human Rights Support,ā and featured Sam McFarland of Western Kentucky University. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) sponsored the event series and shared how he first became passionate about human rights through his work during El Salvadorās civil war in the 1980s.
AERA to Host 11th āBrown Lecture in Education Researchā ā October 23
The American Educational Research Association (AERA), a COSSA Governing Member, will be hosting the 11th Annual Brown Lecture in Education Research on October 23 in Washington, DC. This yearās lecture, āA Long Shadow: The American Pursuit of Political Justice and Education Equality,ā presented by James D. Anderson of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, will observe the 60th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision. The annual lecture highlights the important role research plays in broadening understanding of education equality. You may register to attend the lecture here. Back to this issueās table of contents.
CASBS and SSRC to Host 2014 Behavioral and Social Science SummitāNovember 8
The Center for Advanced Study in the behavioral Sciences at Stanford University (CASBS) with the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), both COSSA members, will host the 2014 Behavioral and Social Science Summit on November 8 at Stanford University. This yearās summit, āThe City,ā will feature social and behavioral scientists speaking about āthe best means and policies for improving the urban experience.ā The list of speakers and discussion topics, as well as registration information can be found on the summit website. Back to this issueās table of contents.
AAPSS Invites Nominations for 2015 Moynihan Prize
The American Academy of Political and Social Science (AAPSS), a COSSA member, is inviting nominations for the 2015 Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize. This annual prize honors āpublic servants and scholars who champion the use of social science research and evidence in policymaking.ā Acceptance of the award entails a ceremony in Washington, DC in May 2015 and a public address. The 2014 Moynihan Prize was awarded to Joseph Stiglitz of Columbia University. Nominations are due September 26. Back to this issueās table of contents.
LSA Promoting Native American Language Revitalization
The Linguistic Society of America (LSA), a COSSA Governing Member, has engaged in an initiative to educate policymakers about the value of Native American language revitalization. Two bills pending in Congressāthe Native American Languages Reauthorization Act of 2014 (H.R. 726/S. 2299) and the Native Language Immersion Student Achievement Act (H.R. 4214/S. 1948)āseek to preserve and revitalize Native American languages. Interested organizations can express their support of the bills here. Back to this issueās table of contents.
COSSA Members Advocate for Disabilities Treaty Ratification
In late July, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 12-6 to move the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on to the full Senate for ratification. The scientific community is mobilizing in support of the Convention, which, among other things, affirms statesā responsibilities to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal opportunity to pursue and enjoy the benefits of scientific progress. COSSA endorsed a statement by the AAAS Board of Directors in support of ratification. In addition, several COSSA members are also urging the Senate to ratify the treaty: The American Statistical Association (ASA) released a…
AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition Reflects on Five Years
The Science and Human Rights Coalition of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) held its biannual meeting on July 14 and 15. COSSA is a member of the Coalition, which is a ānetwork of scientific and engineering membership organizations that recognize a role for scientists and engineers in human rights.ā This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Coalitionās founding, and the meeting provided an opportunity for members to look back on what has been accomplished and consider new directions for the future.Ā An anniversary celebration is planned for October of this year.
COSSA Endorses AAAS Statement on Disabilities Treaty Ratification
COSSA has endorsed the statement of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Board of Directors urging the Senate to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Adopted in 2006 by the United Nations General Assembly, the CRPD has been ratified by 146 countries. The U.S. was a signatory on the treaty, but previous attempts to ratify it in the Senate have failed. The Convention may again be brought to the Senate as early as this summer.