How gerrymandering gave GOP crucial edge in swing states

Image a mangled US flag where the stripes are arms holding up ballot cards

Gerrymandering gave GOP edge in swing states; then came the attack on voting rights

A new analysis of 2020 election results shows that district lines dramatically inflated the Republican majorities that passed some of the most controversial voter-access restrictions and redistricting maps in 2021. Our report, authored by Josh Clark, shows that if seats were allocated proportionally to actual votes, Republicans in the Georgia senate, Florida senate, and North Carolina house would hold one- or zero-seat majorities, rather than the 8- to 18-seat advantages they currently enjoy. Read this new brief here. And check out the press release here.

Capitol building seen behind barriers erected after the Jan. 6 riot

Jan. 6 happened because we ignored George Washington's final warning

As we approach the first anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot, Assistant Director Stephen Menendian revisits George Washington's Final Address in which he warns that the dangers of extreme partisanship could lead to the collapse of the country. We avoided this outcome last January, but with political polarization on the rise, and fears of a new right-wing plot aiming at the 2024 presidential election, are we prepared to respond in a way that keeps the nation intact? Read this piece here.

Study reveals links between redlining and cardiovascular disease

Faculty scholar Mahasin Mujahid led a new study that finds a link between historical redlining and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. The study, just published in the National Academy of Sciences Journal, analyzed eight California cities and discovered that residents of historically redlined neighborhoods are more than twice as likely as their peers to visit emergency rooms for asthma. Read a Berkeley News story about the study, and listen to this short KQED interview with Dr. Mujahid on the topic.

Summer Fellowship applications are due next week!

The Jan. 14 deadline to submit an application for our 2022 Summer Fellowship program is quickly approaching! The program is a paid research experience for individuals seeking to develop their research skills by engaging with the Institute’s multidisciplinary research, analysis, policy, and strategic narrative work. Check our summer fellowship page for information on eligibility and the process to apply.

Listen to our latest Bridging to Belonging podcast episodes!

Podcast player image grab which includes a thumbnail of the guest

Have you been listening to our podcast interviews developed for our Bridging to Belonging Case series we launched in October? In this ninth episode of our 12-episode series, we speak with Angel Mortel, a lead organizer with LA Voice, and Aleena Gonzalez, a high school student, about their participation in Belong Circles.

In the tenth episode of the series, we speak with Debbie Lacy, the founder of Eastside for All, which serves communities outside of Seattle, WA, about its mission to transform East King County into a place where racial, economic and social justice are realized.

Check out more episodes and other work from our Bridging to Belonging case series.

Our partners in Europe recently published a comprehensive, 900-page(!) report documenting Islamophobia in 31 European countries over the past year, in the areas of employment, education, media including the internet, the legal system, and politics. Check it out here.

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Treat yourself and your loved ones to some cool swag from our merch store.

Work with us

We currently have one staff position and five Berkeley graduate student researcher (GSR) positions open. See all our job openings here.

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Project Coordinator

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In the news

OBI Director john a. powell was interviewed for this KQED story on the passing of bell hooks. Separately, he is mentioned in this blog by a fellow member of the New Pluralists collective, titled, "Why We Must Prioritize Bridging Our Divides."
Faculty scholar Rucker Johnson last month won the 2022 Grawemeyer Award in Education for his work on school integration. Congratulations, Rucker!