Author: TheConversation

By Greggor Mattson, Associate Professor of Sociology, Oberlin College and Conservatory Gay bars have been shuttered by public-place closure orders during the coronavirus pandemic. In March, more than half of U.S. states issued statewide closure orders for bars and restaurants, decimating the nightlife industry. This has left LGBT people without a place to gather in public and LGBT workers without employment. But gay bars were already closing their doors before the virus hit. Their decline began sometime around 2002 and has since accelerated. My research shows that as many as 37% of the United States’ gay bars shut down...

By Judith Ridner, Professor of History, Mississippi State University “Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.” That’s what the CDC has advised all Americans to do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this pandemic. It is common-sense advice. The surfactants found in soap lift germs from the skin, and water then washes them away. Soap is inexpensive and ubiquitous; it’s a consumer product found in every household across the country. Yet few people know the long and dirty history of making soap, the product we all rely on to clean our skin....

By Laura Schultz, Director of Fiscal Analysis and Senior Economist, Rockefeller Institute of Government, SUNY Empire State College When Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, expressed reluctance to fund coronavirus relief for hard-hit cities and states, suggesting they would be “blue state bailouts,” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had a quick retort. “We put into that pot $116 billion more than we take out,” Cuomo said. “Kentucky takes out $148 billion more than they put in. Senator McConnell, who’s getting bailed out here?” The debate sparked a furor on social media and has generated a great deal...

By Ryan Malosh, Assistant Research Scientist, University of Michigan Now that states are relaxing social distancing restrictions, people desperately want to see friends and family, go to a restaurant, and let our kids have play dates. Even grocery shopping sounds fun. But how can you do that and still stay safe? An epidemiologist who is immune-compromised himself, I can walk you through some decision making. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has finally released new guidelines for businesses, bars and schools that are considering reopening. Although following these guidelines should help, it is frustrating there hasn’t been...

By Elizabeth C. Tippett, Associate Professor, School of Law, University of Oregon With states reopening – or planning to reopen – in the coming weeks and months, you may be worried about what returning to work will mean for you and your family, particularly if it means increased exposure to COVID-19. As a professor specializing in employment law, I do not have a lot of reassurance to offer. Employment law is a patchwork at the best of times – let alone during a global pandemic – and legal protections may not cover your situation. Like so many of the challenges...