Individualized vs. Generalized Assessments: Why RLUIPA Should Not Apply to Every Land-Use Request

Courts and advocates alike have struggled to articulate a coherent rule regarding when the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) should apply to local governments\u27 land-use decisions. When it is applied too broadly, RLUIPA runs roughshod over the ability of state and local governments to control their own land-use patterns, and it is inconsistent with the Supreme Court\u27s First Amendment and federalism precedents. When applied too narrowly, RLUIPA fails to provide a remedy for victims of religious discrimination. This Note explains the legally cognizable—but previously unrecognized—differences between the types of land-use decisions that local governments make, and it argues that RLUIPA should apply to individualized assessments, such as use permits and variances, but that RLUIPA should not apply to generalized assessments, such as requests for zoning-ordinance amendments. This Note uses two recent Ninth Circuit cases—one of which would have been decided differently if the court had used the proposed distinction—to illustrate how an analysis of individualized and generalized assessments would work in practice

Ethnic Identity and Teratogenic Risk Perceptions

Elevated perceptions of teratogenic risk can cause anxiety and confusion among pregnant women. To assess whether ethnic identity and demographic factors can influence teratogenic risk perceptions, 194 pregnant women in Houston were surveyed using the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) and visual analog scales to quantify perceptions of teratogenic risk for common exposures during pregnancy. Overall, participants estimated an elevated baseline risk of 25% for birth defects among the general population. In addition, participants overestimated birth defect risks for specific exposures, such as alcohol and marijuana. Based on the MEIM scores, ethnic identity was not significantly associated with teratogenic risk perceptions; however, some demographic factors were found to be significantly associated. Participant education level was associated with perceptions of the general population risk for birth defects, influenza vaccine, and acetaminophen. Understanding how demographic factors can influence teratogenic risk perceptions can aid in providing effective and accurate counseling to patients with diverse backgrounds. This may help reduce patient anxiety, guilt, and even terminations based on misinformation

Katie Edwards, Assistant Professor of Psychology, COLA travels to South Africa and Kenya

Prof. Edwards travelled to Africa to learn more about the innovative sexual violence prevention work happening across the African continent and to discuss similarities and differences in violence prevention in South Africa and the U.S

Institutional Title IX Requirements for Researchers Conducting Human Subjects Research on Sexual Violence and other Forms of Interpersonal Violence

The purpose of this white paper is to provide guidance on how university and college Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and IRB administrators can oversee, and researchers can conduct, research investigating the different aspects of Sexual Violence and other forms of Interpersonal Violence

A Personal Perspective on Daily Occupations to Counteract Cancer Related Fatigue: A Case Study

Background: This case study aimed to identify and describe meaningful physical occupations used by a cancer survivor to increase or maintain levels of participation during active chemotherapy and subsequent cancer related fatigue. Method: A case study approach was used to develop an in-depth description and analysis based on one participant’s experience with breast cancer and associated treatments. A semi-structured interview was conducted. The data were analyzed through description of the case, categories, and themes. It also included categorical aggregation in efforts to seek a collection of instances from the data to explore any issue-relevant meanings. Results: Following data analysis, one overarching theme, return to normalcy, was identified with three subthemes: (a) prioritization of meaningful activities, (b) modifications to activities or routines, (c) lack of referral for immediate needs. Conclusion: Personal knowledge of occupational therapy practice provided support for enhancing engagement in daily meaningful occupations. Lessons learned from this experience could be applied to clients experiencing cancer related side effects to improve engagement in daily occupations

Women\u27s risk perception and sexual victimization: A review of the literature

This article reviews empirical and theoretical studies that examined the relationship between risk perception and sexual victimization in women. Studies examining women\u27s general perceptions of risk for sexual assault as well as their ability to identify and respond to threat in specific situations are reviewed. Theoretical discussions of the optimistic bias and cognitive–ecological models of risk recognition are discussed in order to account for findings in the literature. Implications for interventions with women as well as recommendations for future research are provided