The Great Equalizer: Education or Technology?
Amy Lobue This Essay evaluates the structure of technology funding in education and how it has impacted students’ access to quality instruction throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As access to education throughout the pandemic depended on students’ and schools’ abilities to procure access to connected devices, some students were left with minimal to no instruction. Further, the pandemic sheds light on the existing technology access inequities that trace the lines between socioeconomic classes. First, technology access is defined as a two-fold issue: access to the internet, and access to devices other than smartphones. This Essay presents the current federal funding structure...
Patentability of COVID-19 Vaccines
Zoë Haggerty In many ways, the COVID-19 crisis has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable and underprivileged members of society. National lockdowns, halted economies, and overburdened hospital systems have significantly exacerbated the obstacles faced by those already financially insecure. In light of these unique and widespread challenges, it is crucial that the marginalized members of society not be neglected as global and domestic health agencies push for efficient vaccine distribution. The implications of patenting COVID-19 vaccines are likely to disadvantage such members unless measures are taken to ensure the accessibility of such vaccines. This Essay explores the options of expanding or...