Racial Profiling:

The Link to Terrorism Prevention

 

Criminal Law

Brandeis High School

10th Grade

Ms. Wald

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

The September 11 th terrorist attacks had a dramatic impact on the American psyche. One issue that has evolved because of this catastrophic event is the way we view race, especially in regards to racial profiling. Formerly inflicted almost exclusively on blacks, racial profiling has become a different beast. People of Middle Eastern decent have become a primary target of racial profiling.  But where will we draw the line? When is enough, enough?

 

 

TASK:

You have been hired as an advisor to Governor Pataki who is considering introducing legislation on racial profiling.  He needs your help to prepare for his meeting with the New York State Legislature.

 

You will be divided in to groups of five by your teacher.  Each member of the group will have a role to play as follows:

Lead Researcher-responsible for making sure that all of the research is read and synthesized by the entire group and is properly cited

Research Organizer-responsible for taking the research once read and synthesized by the group and organizes the main points to be included in the poster

Public Policy Analyst-responsible for making sure that all of the steps of the PPA (see steps of PPA below) are followed and that the policy proposal is included in the poster

Poster Designer-responsible for the final preparation of the poster to be presented to Governor Pataki; must take sure that all aspects of the argument are presented

Presenter-responsible for presenting the poster to Governor Pataki and his staff

 

Each group will:

  • Use the research provided in this Webquest on the problem of racial profiling in New York City.
  • Develop various policy proposals that you will created to prevent racial profiling.
  • Decided which policy proposal you will support
  • Prepare a poster on your group’s decision that you will present to Governor Pataki and his staff.

 

 

PROCESS:

 

Steps of the PPA:

·         Identify the nature of a social problem

·         Gather evidence to support the existence of the problem

·         Determine the causes and factors contributing to the problem

·         Evaluating existing public policies

·         Developing public policy solutions

·         Selecting the best public policy solution  

 

 

Plan and prepare your poster and presentation

 

Your poster should cover all your ideas.  You will be graded on a scale of 1-4 (1 is lowest, 4 is highest) in the following categories (see evaluation rubric below):

 

·         Strong introduction.  Make sure it identifies the topic, states your point of view, and previews your policy.

 

·         Organization of the argument.  Make sure to organize your argument around the issues, which you should have identified the PPA

 

·         Use of evidence and examples supporting your argument.  You should focus on using evidence that you have found from your research

 

·         Presenting both sides of the arguments.  A “4” poster will mention and at least 3 different points of view.  A “1” poster will not present any differing points of view.

 

·         Strong conclusion.  Restate your position, summarize your policy, and state what legislation Governor Pataki should introduce.

 

 

RESOURCES:

http://desitalk.newsindia-times.com/2004/05/07/nyc-top10.html

http://www.ppionline.org/ppi_ci.cfm?knlgAreaID=119&subsecID=156&contentID=610

http://usliberals.about.com/b/a/209024.htm

http://racerelations.about.com/od/racismandchildren/a/racialprofiling.htm

http://www.city-journal.org/html/11_2_the_myth.html

http://www.amnestyusa.org/racial_profiling/report/

 

 

EVALUATION:

 

 

Excellent

90-100

(4)

Very Good

80-89

(3)

Satisfactory

65-79

(2)

Unsatisfactory

Below 65

(1)

Research

Problem clearly identified and thoroughly researched

Problem identified and reasonably well researched

Problem identified

 

Problem identified but research is lacking

PPA

All six steps of the PPA  are clearly addressed and all worksheets correctly completed

All six steps of the PPA are addressed  and most worksheets correctly completed

With limited research.

 

 

Incomplete worksheets

Poster and

Oral

Presen-tation

Well organized, demonstrates logical sequencing and sentence structure, clearly presents both sides of the argument

Well organized, but demonstrates illogical sequencing or sentence structure and is somewhat  clearly present both sides of the argument

Well organized, but illogical sequencing and sentence structure and does not clearly present both sides of the argument.

Poorly organized

 

 

STANDARDS:

SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS:

Standard 1 :  History of the United States and New YorkHiHHHHHHH

Standard 2 :  World History

Standard 5:  Civics, Citizenship and Government

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS STANDARDS:

 

1: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information  

    and understanding.

3: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical

    analysis and evaluation.

 

 

CONCLUSION:

You have successfully followed the six steps of the Public Policy Analyst to develop new policy recommendations to give to Governor Pataki on racial profiling.  You have looked at both the pros and the cons of racial profiling and have thoroughly analyzed your research to aid you with your policy position.  You have used the Internet to gather current information to make a more informed policy recommendation.  You have worked as a group with each member having a role to play as a member of the team.  You have given the results of your findings in a logical and visual presentation.  You have helped the leader of New York state make a more informed decision on racial profiling legislation.