US Senate | CDSIMUN 2021

UNITED STATES SENATE

TOPIC 1: PUBLIC EDUCATION

For the past 20 years, public education reform has become a prevalent issue throughout the United States. According to a survey taken by the Pew Research Center which measured test scores for 15-year-old students on the subjects of Science and Mathematics, students from the United States performed at only an average level relative to other countries in the world when it comes to K-12 education, despite being the richest nation in the world by some measures. Furthermore, the most recent results from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), show that US children ranked 38/71 nations in math scores and 24/71 nations in science scores. Results like these have brought a large part of the American population to wonder if the American Public School system is doing enough to educate children and prepare them for success later in the later stages of their lives. A particularly controversial topic is that of History Curriculums offered today in public schools, and the possible bias that they might have. Many say that these curriculums tell history from a very American point of view, not necessarily telling the objective truth, but rather the one in which the US looks the best. This system is labeled by its harshest critics as spreading misinformation or even indoctrinating young students. However on the other hand supporters of this system claim that it promotes patriotism and a necessary sense of national pride, therefore making it critical for students. Furthermore, they argue that while this curriculum may offer a subjective American perspective, it is still factually accurate.
Another topic of debate, especially in recent years, has been the number of knowledge students are taught regarding climate change. The argument stems from the fact that students are not learning enough about what the world is going through from a climate standpoint, and therefore do not feel compelled to act and make the world a more sustainable place. Critics of this reform initiative argue that the economy, history, and sciences should have a greater emphasis, as children will need to know these to succeed once they graduate. Other issues such as LGBTQ+ inclusion in curriculums, the empowerment of women through an updated curriculum, as well as sex education within schools have also been relevant in discussions, but no concrete action has been taken to change a school system, which has existed since Horace Mann first invented it in the 1830s. Now, it is up to the newly updated Senate to decide upon the new direction of education in the United States.

STUDY GUIDE

TOPIC 2: POLICE REFORM

Since the killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, the eyes of the whole nation have shifted onto the topic of police reform, and the response of both state and federal governments to issues with said departments. The uprising in police shootings of unarmed citizens has led to heated debates concerning police brutality towards minorities, such as African and Native Americans. Statistics show that Native Americans are 3.1 times more likely than white Americans to be killed by the police, and African Americans are up to 6 times more likely to be killed in an incident surrounding unnecessary force by police. These statistics have caused critics of the police force to publically and forcefully advocate for the defunding of the police force as there continue to be instances where officers use excessive force toward unarmed minorities. As instances in which people of color (POCs) are killed by the police take the national spotlight, as was the case with Breonna Taylor, Jacob Blake, and many others, demonstrations, both peaceful and violent, have broken out across the nation.
Powerful organizations largely responsible for these protests such as the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement argue that mass demonstrations are necessary to hold police officers accountable and call for legislative change within the government to dismantle the systemic disadvantages and prejudice faced by POCs when confronted by the police. Nevertheless, these protests did in some instances develop into violent riots, destroying businesses as collateral damage and prompting violence against the police. These acts were labeled as outliers by some, or necessary by others. However, primarily Republican Senators sprung to the defense of businesses and the police, strongly condemning the demonstrations and calling for police to be treated with respect. Yet the response from some Republican leaders, notably many governors and former president Trump to defend businesses and reinforce the police were criticized as an excessive show of force. Some of these actions included calling in the national guard to quell protests, and using military-grade gear to control and disperse protests and riots. Now, with a new president and a 50-50 split, the Senate stands in a unique position to address the rise in protests and racial injustice across the United States. Senators must collaborate and debate in order to pass substantial reform, whether it be to limit the capabilities of riots to damage or even destroy businesses, or to protect these demonstrators' right to peacefully protest, and furthermore answer their call to action by enacting a wide-scale reform in the justice system.