2008 Proceedings - St. Cloud State University

Abstracts
Session A All Disciplines Ballroom
Global Conflict's Effects on Inequality in the U.S.
Global conflict has drastically affected the lives of Arab Americans through social stereotypes, political actions, and economic suppression
within the United States. Where once Arabs were an invisible minority in our country, conflict in the Middle East beginning with the Arab-
Israeli War and culminating in current US involvement in that region has removed not only the protection of being unseen but also their
rights and even safety here in the homeland. Evidence from the film Reel Bad Arabs suggests that Hollywood has played a key role in
creating and perpetuating the stereotypes of Arabs in America. American political actions have consistently been unfavorable towards Arab
Americans since the Arab-Israeli war 41 years ago as well. This includes propaganda which has led the media to reinforce these
stereotypes, direct actions to remove Arabs from America, and immigration policies which make it more difficult for Arabs to obtain
citizenship or visas. Much of this has been supported by the general public and by corporations. Even prior to the attack of 9/11 and the
War in Iraq many people had a negative prejudice towards Arabs without knowing fully why, but 9/11 solidified those preconceived notions.
Afterwards, Arab Americans found themselves answering for crimes they did not commit or condone. Through this presentation I will
discuss the origin of stereotypes about Arab Americans and immigrants and illustrate the ways in which Arab Americans have, and
continue to be, discriminated against based on these stereotypes. Ultimately this presentation will argue that Arab Americans are
Americans and, as members of our country, deserve full recognition as citizens including all of the rights that current prejudice and
discrimination denies them.
Presentation Index: A12
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Department: Sociology; English
Project Sponsor(s):
Student Presenter(s): Smith, Cory; Onadiran, Akimdeen
Ore, Tracy; Fox, Catherine; Freilinger, Rebecca
Human Sexuality Education in Mille Lacs County
Due to the high rate of teen sexual activity and pregnancy in the Northern Mille Lacs County school districts, the Mille Lacs Public Health
office sought to explore attitudes toward sexuality education among those involved in student education. A quantitative, descriptive, 13-
item survey was distributed to Isle, Onamia, and Nay-Ah-Shing schools. Findings were that 95% of participants thought a comprehensive
sexuality education program belongs in the schools. Answers revealed that nearly 90% of teachers and administrators agreed that
abstinence should be included in sexuality education, but not as the only option. Most thought condoms and oral contraceptives should be
taught as birth control options. Over 81% believed that teen pregnancy is an issue in their school, but the average person was unsure of
whether the sexuality education taking place in their school is appropriate. It was found that 44.6% of participants thought that sexuality
education should begin between 3rd and 5th grade, while another 44.6% said it should begin between 6th and 8th grade. Through these
findings we discovered that most teachers and educators in these schools agreed that comprehensive sexuality education, as opposed to
abstinence only, should be taught in the schools beginning between third and eighth grade. Political, social, and environmental issues that
would have to be addressed include the school board needing to approve and change policies, the need to implement educational
programs for faculty and parents about the sexual education content, and the need for financial resources. In conclusion, a
comprehensive sexuality education program should be developed and implemented in these schools and possibly at a younger age.
Presentation Index: A13
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Department: Nursing
Project Sponsor(s):
Student Presenter(s): Jungels, Michelle; Breimhorst, Peter; Koitzsch, Kendra; Lenz, Brenda; Morrison, Leslie
Saari, Angela
Community Assessment of Youth Sexuality Education
The teen pregnancy rate in Kandiyohi County is disproportionately high compared with the state of Minnesota. The purpose of this study was to
identify educational deficits that exist in the community regarding healthy youth sexuality education. In collaboration with Kandiyohi County Public
Health and the Coalition for Healthy Adolescent Sexuality (CHAS) a 15- question survey was developed. The questions assessed youth sexual
education and the attitudes, beliefs and curriculum the programs offered. The sample population consisted of community faith-based
organizations, non-profit organizations, and any other organization that had direct contact with youth and/or parents/guardians. Follow-up phone
calls were made to each organization prior to final survey collection. Results indicated that in Kandiyohi County those that included healthy teen
sexuality education did not follow a specific sexual education curriculum, many desired to include a more comprehensive education curriculum,
and most identified the importance of introducing youth sexuality education before the age of 12. Appropriate funding from state and local
government resources is necessary to initiate and implement these programs. Support from community members, students, teachers, and parents
are essential to expanding the current sexual education curriculum for youth. The results from this survey are part of an overall assessment of the
community. The next step will be the Coalition for Healthy Adolescent Sexuality conducting an overall assessment of the community that will
conclude attitudes, beliefs, and needs. Programs will be developed in order to increase healthy sexuality education for youth to decrease the
incidence of teen pregnancy.
Presentation Index: A14
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Department: Nursing
Project Sponsor(s):
Student Presenter(s): Leuze, Jacklyn; Davis, Pam; Lamser, Stephanie;
Lenz, Brenda; Warner, Susan
Theis, Angie; Wagner,LaRissa; White, Ashley; O'Neal, Kris; Maas, Kori
St. Cloud State University Student Research Colloquium 21
April 22, 2008